Rachel’s Day is a time set aside to mourn the loss of our children and to renounce the forces of violence and fear. It is observed by Women of the ELCA annually on the first Sunday in May, though it can be observed any time of the year.
Did you know that every 30 minutes a child or teen dies or is injured from a gun? The latest Rachel’s Day resource offers information on how you can work within your community and congregation to combat gun violence.
“If 100 children are accidently strangled by Venetian blind cords, the government takes action,” said Valora Starr, Women of the ELCA’s director for discipleship and author of the Rachel’s Day resource. “But our children are dying by guns and nothing is happening. If we continue taking no action, then all we can do is weep like Rachel did” (Jeremiah 31:15–17).
Much has been accomplished in building awareness about gun violence. At the same time, it is now legal in all 50 states for qualified individuals to carry guns, and more children are exposed to violence than ever before, Starr said.
Consider offering the free, downloadable Rachel’s Day resource at your church or in your community. The updated Rachel’s Day resource includes a litany for use in a special Rachel’s Day service.