FCNL’s inaugural Violence Interrupter Symposium was more than just an event which brought together passionate individuals and organizations — it was a journey showcasing true community. Initially strangers from various cities and states with unique stories, participants forged deep bonds, evolving into a true sense of family.
A recent analysis of some violence interrupter programs that have helped reduce gun violence indicate that these community lifelines are threatened by the expiration of funding provided by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (Pub. L. 117-159) in 2026.
In Pennsylvania, cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown are grappling with a grim reality: gun violence is snuffing out lives at an alarming rate. Roughly 557 Pennsylvanians die in gun homicides each year. Of all homicides statewide, 76% involve a gun (slightly higher than the national average of 74%), highlighting the urgent need for action.
From New York to Los Angeles, to Harrisburg, PA, and an increasing number of cities in between, a new approach to ending gun violence, especially in marginalized communities in urban areas, is starting to bear fruit and save lives. It is called violence interrupter programs.
In Pennsylvania, cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Allentown are grappling with a grim reality: gun violence is snuffing out lives at an alarming rate. Roughly 557 Pennsylvanians die in gun homicides each year. Of all homicides statewide, 76 percent involve a gun (slightly higher than the national average of 74 percent), highlighting the urgent need for action.
Following the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump last weekend, we joined people of faith and conscience around the country to reject political violence in all its forms. Just as violence is not the answer to political conflict here at home, it is not the answer to security challenges abroad.
The Biden administration is moving forward with a new shipment of 1,700 500-pound bombs to Israel, reversing its vow to suspend weapons transfers if Israel moved forward with its assault on Rafah.
Independence Day is a chance to appreciate our democracy. Yesterday, we celebrated the 248th birthday of the United States of America. But today, many of us are deeply concerned about the health of our democratic system.
While it’s natural to feel anxious, never let anyone make you feel like your voice doesn’t matter or that you can’t make a difference. Despair is a threat and a lie. Our faith calls us to commitment and courage.
This week for the first time, the federal government formally declared what we have long known: gun violence is a public health crisis.
As Iranian writer Dina Nayeri said, “It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.”
This week, President Joe Biden took bold action to provide protections and opportunities for many of our undocumented neighbors.
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