Archbishop Hebda Testimony Before the Gun Violence Prevention Senate Working Group

Thank you. Good morning, Chair Latz and members of the working group. I am Bernard Hebda, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of St. Paul in Minneapolis. I am here today on behalf of my brother, bishops of the Minnesota Catholic Conference.

   

We are at a pivotal moment for our state and our nation wounded by heart-rending acts of violence against both children and those in public life. Amidst the tragedy that occurred on August 27th at Annunciation Church and School, I've been encouraged by the way so many in our local community, not just Catholics, have come together to grieve and to heal and to resolve to work for change. I am very thankful to all who are encouraging these important discussions about how to protect human life from the plague of gun violence and to all who are working intentionally to find common ground or the common good.

   

As noted by the many parents and parishioners who have written to me in the last three weeks, the simplest starting point in addressing gun violence is the guns themselves. Referring to the tragedy at Annunciation, Pope Leo has urged us to plead to God to stop the pandemic of arms, large and small, which infects our world. We must do our part. Although guns have legitimate uses and gun ownership is a protected right in our nation, certain guns and ammunition carry with them the ability to create mass casualties in a very short time.

   

These hearings are a great opportunity for the public to bring forward creative solutions that promote gun safety, including those proposed today. Both the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Minnesota Catholic Conference have supported common sense gun laws as well as limitations on possession of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines. The solution to the challenge in front of us, however, goes deeper than guns.

  

I urge you when considering needed policy solutions to be mindful of the deeper causes of gun violence and of the many ways in which current legislation more broadly communicates a lack of appreciation for the value of each human life. Innocent children were targeted at Annunciation as in far too many other incidents. We need consistent and dedicated funding that protects all students is a matter of public safety. It's not a matter of which school kids attend, whether public or private. Rather, it's a matter of partnering together and making a commitment to support every child in our community, as we do with access to school lunches and law enforcement. Finally, let me note that we must deal with the despair and hatred that fuel these shootings. While the faith community must address the deep spiritual aspect of that crisis, sound public policy is also needed to adequately address mental health needs in our community. I hope that our legislature won't legislature won't shy  away from examining the impact of mental health problems or increasing the likelihood of people posing a damage to themselves or to others. The broad legalization of dangerous THC products and the ban on counseling for those struggling with gender dysphoria might be two areas meriting reconsideration.

   

In short, the Minnesota Catholic Conference supports a comprehensive approach to protecting innocent lives from the plague of gun violence, and we hope legislators are willing to show courage and prudence in working for the common good. Thank you for your consideration.