Two congregations of differing faiths are coming together for one mission – preventing gun violence.
Upper Dublin Lutheran Church has partnered with Or Hadash Synagogue, in Ft. Washington, for an Interfaith Community Forum on Preventing Gun Violence on March 10, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring speakers State Rep. Liz Hanbidge and Rep. Ben Sanchez, as well as Upper Dublin School District Superintendent Laurie Smith and Upper Dublin Police Chief Francis Wheatley, according to its press release.
According to Upper Dublin Lutheran Church’s Advocacy Team Leader Chris Tranchida, the forum will offer concrete advice to prevent gun violence tragedies.
"We want to bring people of all faiths and backgrounds together because this is not an issue for one religion or race,” Tranchida said. "This is everyone’s problem to solve and we need to come together as a community.”
While parents attend the forum, the church and Upper Dublin Public Library will have yoga, active play, crafts, and visits from therapy dogs for children ages five to 12. Babysitting can be coordinated for children under five.
Furthermore, as a boost to its gun prevention mission, the Lutheran church at 411 Susquehanna Road in Lower Gwynedd Township has "Memorial to the Lost” now on display on its front lawn until March 10.
According to
Tranchida, the 81 T-shirts in the display represent each person lost to gun
violence in Montgomery County since 2019, complete with name, age and date of
death. The number is up from 66 (2018-2022), demonstrating an increasing
problem in the area, he said.
For more information about UDLC’s leadership, mission,
programs and services visit www.udlc.org or call 215-646-7999.
Or Hadash is located at the historic Fairwold Estate on Camp Hill Road in Ft.
Washington and can be found at www.orhadash.comand 215-283-0276.
