Beyond the Guns: The Church Response to Gun Suicide and Community Healing in Fort Worth, Texas.

Beyond the Guns: The Church Response to Gun Suicide and Community Healing in Fort Worth, Texas.

Gun violence is often discussed in terms of mass shootings, homicides, and urban crime, but one of its most devastating and overlooked aspects is suicide. More than half of all gun deaths in America are suicides, disproportionately affecting veterans, young people, and those facing mental health crises. The Black church, historically a pillar of resilience and healing in times of crisis, must take an active role in addressing this silent epidemic.

Beyond the Guns is a faith-based initiative that seeks to provide comfort to grieving families, organize communities for action, and support trauma care for all those affected by gun suicides. This mission is grounded in the Black church’s legacy of service, advocacy, and healing, ensuring that no one suffers in silence and that every life lost is honored with purpose-driven action.

On Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM, we invite the community to the Kirk Franklin Chapel at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church for a special Beyond the Guns Ecumenical Worship Service. This service is a moment to grieve, reflect, and commit to solutions that prevent gun suicides and care for survivors.

The Mission of Beyond the Guns

1. Comforting Families, When a loved one dies by suicide, families are left with grief, questions, and often stigma. The Black church can provide a compassionate space where families feel supported, rather than isolated. Through prayer, pastoral care, and counseling, Beyond the Guns ensures that no family mourns alone.

2. Organizing the Community, Faith leaders and congregations must work together to address the root causes of gun suicide, including mental health struggles, economic hardship, and social isolation. By hosting awareness events, educational programs, and community dialogues, the church can be a leading voice in breaking the silence around suicide.

3. Supporting Trauma Survivors, Suicide impacts not only families but also friends, first responders, and the broader community. Healing must extend beyond immediate loss to include long-term trauma care, mental health resources, and spiritual support for all those affected. Beyond the Guns is committed to advocating for increased access to culturally competent therapy, crisis intervention, and survivor support networks.

As part of the Vidas Robadas/Stolen Lives Tee Shirt Memorial, this service will display T-shirts representing those lost to gun violence, including suicides. Each name will be read aloud, reminding us that every life matters, and every loss is felt deeply.

In addition, on February 27, 2025, faith leaders and advocates will travel to the Texas State Capitol to urge lawmakers to implement policies aimed at reducing gun suicides. One key measure being pushed is raising the age to purchase semiautomatic firearms from 18 to 21, as access to guns significantly increases the likelihood of suicide attempts becoming fatal.

Join Us in This Mission

Gun suicide is a crisis that demands our attention, and the Black church has both the moral authority and the spiritual foundation to lead the charge. Join us as we remember those lost, uplift survivors, and work toward a future where faith, hope, and community support save lives.

For more information on the February 13 Worship Service, contact Rev. Kyev Tatum at kptatum1@gmail.com.

For details on the February 27 Advocacy Day in Austin, contact Rev. Jan Orr-Harter at janoh4@aol.com.

Together, through faith and action, we can move Beyond the Guns—toward healing, justice, and life.