Clergy hope gun turn-in averts violence, saves lives
By Colleen Mastony
Tribune staff reporter
May 16, 2004
Weary of officiating at the funerals of teenagers killed by gun violence, a citywide coalition of clerics asked their congregations to turn in their firearms Saturday.
Though the effort netted only 14 guns, organizers said it was a start.
"These are the clergy who are having to bury these kids," said Rev. Vance Henry, director of CAPS, a community outreach program run by the Chicago Police Department. "From their perspective, one gun off the street is one life saved."
It was the second such gun collection held by Clergy for Safer Streets, a group of 50 religious leaders who joined forces this year. The first event was held in February and garnered about a dozen guns.
Drop-off centers include 11 churches, mosques and synagogues throughout the city. Clerics guarantee anonymity for people bringing in guns by acting as intermediaries before giving the weapons to Chicago police.
Organizers said Saturday's collection sought in part to head off the increase in shootings that often accompanies warmer weather.
"We are getting ready for summer. There are a lot more children on the streets and a lot more shootings," said Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church.
For Pfleger, whose foster son, Jarvis, 17, was shot and killed three blocks from the church in 1998, the collection of guns was deeply personal.
"If someone didn't have a gun that day, he might be alive," he said.
Organizers conceded the number of guns turned in Saturday was low, especially compared with the 10,000 guns that organizers said are confiscated by Chicago police every year. But some leaders have encouraged their congregations to continue to bring in guns.
Pfleger said he had received 60 guns since the program began. He collected six more on Saturday.
"Sixty-six guns could have taken God knows how many lives," he said.
