Many thanks to all who attended the May 7 forum, Finding Common Ground with Gun Owners on Gun Safety Policies: Can Maryland Lead the Way?
The audience of 65 in person and 33 on Zoom included parishioners; members of the Interfaith GVP Network, the Cathedral GVP Mission, and Moms Demand Action; and concerned local citizens.
Moderator Anne Derse skillfully managed the speakers and audience as we listened attentively to engaging, informative talks by Maryland State Senator Jeff Waldstreicher, 97Percent Executive Director Mat Littman, and Tufts Professor Michael Siegel. Their remarks sparked a lively and Q&A that included questions and comments from three gun owners.
If you missed it, check out the recording on YouTube.
Thanks also to all of the St. John’s Clergy, staff, and volunteers who contributed to the event. Special thanks to moderator Anne Derse for her gracious welcome, keeping the speakers on time and the Q&A flowing, and conveying her own firm conviction that Americans who do and do not own guns must work together to combat the scourge of gun violence. Thanks to Bill Raisner for hosting the Zoom from home and to Lisa Raisner for invaluable on-site technical support in the Parish Hall. Thanks to those who publicized the forum and provided lunch and other support: Cindy Anderson, Elaine and Jeremy Curtin, Christina Files, Annelise Hafer, Liz Jones, Colleen Kelly, Alexandra Kennedy, Clara Lovett, Jan McNamara, Barbara Ordway, Mary Packard-Winkler, Peg Sanders, Jody Tabner Thayer, and Margaret Uhar. Thanks also to Executive Director of Operations J. Chris Martin, St John’s Communications Specialist Sharon Lopilato, and Interim Office Administrator Stefanie Van Pelt for their invaluable support.
– Margaret Hilton, Convener, GVP Ministry
