Converting gun into garden tool intended to encourage discussion about reducing gun violence

Friday, Sep. 27, 2019

SALT LAKE CITY — As part of the efforts that the diocesan Office of Life, Justice and Peace has long been doing regarding gun violence prevention, the office is encouraging people to participate in Swords to Plowshares, where a donated gun will be transformed into a garden tool to encourage conversation about gun violence.

“Suicide, homicide, mass shootings, domestic violence and the causes of each all involve the dignity and sanctity of life and our Catholic call to create a culture of life,” said Jean Hill, director of the diocesan Office of Life, Justice and Peace, explaining her interest in participating in this particular event.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church “reminds us that ‘respect for and development of human life requires peace,’” Hill pointed out. “Our goal is to create a world without violence. We are charged by God to build a world in which human life is valued more than lethal weapons, not one in which shootings are deterred only by the fear that others might be packing also.”

With the mission of disarming hearts and forging peace, Swords to Plowshares will take place on Oct. 5 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City. It will include music, food and speakers. 

“This event will be a springboard for statewide discussions about reducing gun violence in Utah,” the invitation to the event reads in part. 

The event is sponsored by RAWTools, a group that is working to “move communities away from violence. … through relationship, dialogue, and alternative means of justice,” according to its website. The organization is based in Colorado Springs.  

After the garden tool is made from the weapon, it will rotate among different faith communities in Utah, each of which will be asked to host a conversation around the idea of making a commitment to solve problems without the use of violence or guns.

Peace is built day by day “and can flourish only when all recognize that everyone is responsible for promoting it,” Hill said. “We remember this in every Mass through the Sign of Peace. That moment of sharing peace is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a promise and an admonition: God gives us peace, not to keep hidden next to the AK-47, but to share with the world.”

 Inviting everyone to attend the event, Hill said that prevention of gun violence transcends questions of gun ownership or Second Amendment rights.

“Gun owners are welcome to attend the event. Individuals who own guns are equally interested in preventing the violent misuse of such weapons as those who prefer not to own guns,” Hill said. “This event is about envisioning a world where we do not use weapons to solve our problems. That is a world that does not exclude responsible gun owners.”

Parishes in the diocese that are interested in hosting a “garden tool” conversation may contact Hill. 

Another way to support the initiative is to commit to plant a tree “to help offset the carbon RAWTools uses to travel from Colorado to Utah,” she said.

If you are willing to plant a tree, contact Jean Hill at jean.hill@dioslc.org so she can track the number of trees planted in the name of non-violence.