Peace & Justice Committee

Advocating for safety and security in the diocese

About

The Peace and Justice Committee of The Diocese of West Missouri was created by Bishop Bruce in 2022. In the wake of mounting gun violence in our state and country, it was first charged with creating a diocesan plan and response to the gun violence epidemic. It does this through sharing the Be S.M.A.R.T. safe storage message across the diocese, and through other advocacy programs for gun safety, including observation of Wear Orange in recognition of survivors and victims of gun violence.

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Latest News

Tara Bennett speaking to a crowd during a Be SMART Presentation
Be SMART Week: August 25-29, 2025

Be SMART Week: August 25-29, 2025

Rally Group Photo
Get Ready for Wear Orange Day in 2025

Get Ready for Wear Orange Day in 2025

Advocacy Day
Moms Demand Action Attend Advocacy Day in Jefferson City

Moms Demand Action Attend Advocacy Day in Jefferson City

Tara Bennett speaking
Join the Peace & Justice Committee for Advocacy Day ’25

Join the Peace & Justice Committee for Advocacy Day ’25

Peace and Justice Call to Action Template
Call to Action: Guns in Churches to be Heard Today

Call to Action: Guns in Churches to be Heard Today

Wear Orange GHTC
The Diocese Honors Victims of Gun Violence for Wear Orange Day

The Diocese Honors Victims of Gun Violence for Wear Orange Day

Be SMART listening group
Mary Magdalene Hosts a Be SMART Presentation

Mary Magdalene Hosts a Be SMART Presentation

moms demand action at city hall
The Diocese Prepares for Wear Orange Day

The Diocese Prepares for Wear Orange Day

Episcopal Flag Waving Over Crowd
Moms Demand Action Hold a Rally at Washington Square Park

Moms Demand Action Hold a Rally at Washington Square Park

Diocesan Shield Banner
Response to Kansas City Parade Shooting

Response to Kansas City Parade Shooting

Peace and Justice Call to Action Template
Call to Action: Guns in Churches to be Heard in the Missouri House on Tuesday

Call to Action: Guns in Churches to be Heard in the Missouri House on Tuesday

Be SMART Telling
Be SMART: Telling Your Peers to Be SMART

Be SMART: Telling Your Peers to Be SMART

Be SMART Recognize the Role
Be SMART: Recognize the Role of Guns in Suicide

Be SMART: Recognize the Role of Guns in Suicide

Be SMART Asking
Be SMART: Ask About Unsecured Guns in Other Homes

Be SMART: Ask About Unsecured Guns in Other Homes

Be SMART Model Behavior
Be SMART: Modeling Responsible Behavior Around Firearms

Be SMART: Modeling Responsible Behavior Around Firearms

Be SMART Secure Guns
Be SMART: Secure Storage of Firearms

Be SMART: Secure Storage of Firearms

Lenette Johnson presenting the Be SMART program at St. Mary's K
Be SMART for the Holidays

Be SMART for the Holidays

Tara Bennett speaking to a crowd during a Be SMART Presentation
Addressing the Gun Violence Crisis Involving Children Through the Be SMART Program

Addressing the Gun Violence Crisis Involving Children Through the Be SMART Program

Resources

Statistics on Gun violence in Missouri

EveryStat

Black Homicide Victimization in the United States

Violence Policy Center

Be S.M.A.R.T. for Kids

Be S.M.A.R.T. for Kids Website
The Toolkit
Social Media Graphics
Printable Handouts
S.M.A.R.T. Individual Graphics

Other Organizations

KC Mothers in Charge
Aim4Peace
Kansas City Call Newspaper
KC Defender
KC Common Good

Group pic posed

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Leadership

Tara Bennett Wear Orange Be SMART

Tara Bennett

Chair

peaceandjustice@diowestmo.org

Members

  • The Rev. Jonathan Callison
  • The Rev. Lynda Hurt
  • The Rev. Adam James
  • Lenette Johnson
  • The Rev. Suzy Lynch
  • The Rev. Robin Rusconi
  • Patti Ryder
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