The Book of Life is a sacred record dedicated to honoring victims of gun violence in the United States. At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City, it can be found on the right side of the nave, midway toward the altar, accompanied by a striking icon of the Virgin Mary with swords piercing her heart—a powerful symbol of shared sorrow and compassion.
Each week, names are gathered from gunmemorial.org, a national organization that collects and shares the stories of those lost to gun violence. Visitors to the website can read about the victims’ lives and even light virtual candles in their memory.
At St. Mary’s, Lenette Johnson, John Simpson, and Patricia Ryder faithfully type the victims’ names each week. It is a task carried out on a set schedule, and new volunteers are always welcome. This work can be done from home—simply email the completed list to Lenette at jhawklenette@gmail.com.
Once compiled, Lenette distributes the lists to Episcopal churches across the diocese, including Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Church of the Redeemer, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. Mary’s, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. These congregations incorporate the names into their Prayers of the People. For example, at the Cathedral, the number of victims, those under 21, and those from Missouri and Kansas are read aloud during worship.
If your church would like to begin receiving the weekly list of names, or if you would like to volunteer for this ministry, please contact Lenette at jhawklenette@gmail.com.
May we continue to pray for an end to gun violence in our communities and our nation.
This article was submitted by Lenette Johnson, member of the Peace and Justice Committee.
