Gun Violence

The Rev. Shelby Slowey, pastor of South End United Methodist Church in Nashville explains how United Methodist Social Principles apply to current proposed legislation related to the death penalty in Tennessee. Over 200 United Methodists participated in United Methodist Day on the Hill at the Tennessee Capitol. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Churchgoers take Social Principles to lawmakers

Concerns about immigration, education and criminal justice drive a record number of United Methodists to participate in Tennessee Day on the Hill in 2026.

Social Concerns

Supporters of gun reform join in prayer outside the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville on Aug. 21 as lawmakers begin a special legislative session focused on public safety following a mass shooting at the Covenant School here in March. Joining the prayer is the Rev. Eric Mayle (second from right) of Calvary United Methodist Church in Nashville. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

United Methodists join prayer vigil for gun reform

Gun reform supporters, including United Methodists, gathered for an early morning prayer vigil at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 21. Mike DuBose has photos.

Violence

The Rev. Stephen Handy (left), pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church, and the Rev. William Barber II (right) join Shannon Felder as she carries a child’s casket during an April 17 march in Nashville, Tenn., to protest gun violence and push for gun safety legislation. Five caskets and an urn were carried from McKendree United Methodist Church to the Tennessee State Capitol, one for each victim of a March 27 school shooting in Nashville. Photo by Vernon Jordan, UM News.

United Methodists join march for gun reform

A large rally in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, held in the wake of a deadly school shooting, had strong representation from United Methodist clergy and laity. The agenda was to support stricter gun laws and other social justice goals that the organizer said are intertwined.

Violence

Clergy and other supporters of gun reform sing during a gathering at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. United Methodist and other Christian clergy called on state legislators to enact tighter gun control following a recent school shooting in Nashville. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Tennessee clergy speak out for gun reform

United Methodist and other clergy joined together at the Tennessee State Capitol to speak out for gun control and against the removal of three state representatives and the disenfranchisement of their constituents.

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