Criminal background checks at gunshows wanted by group of churches

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By Kelli Wynn, Staff Writer Updated 12:44 PM Wednesday, April 28, 2010

DAYTON— Representatives from the churches that make up the Anchored in Peace network will hold a press conference Wednesday, April 28, in front of the Safety Building, 335 W. Third St.

The press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and will follow the group’s appearance at the morning Dayton City Commission meeting.

The network will formally announce their plans to have a Prayer Rally at 1 p.m. on May 2 at the corner of Shiloh Springs Road and Wolf Road, in front of Hara Arena. This spot was chosen for the rally due to the fact that the Bill Goodman’s Gun and Knife Show is held at the arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road.

The network wants to bring attention and raise support for the passage of House Resolution 2324, which is the Gun Show Loophole Closing Act of 2009, according to Rev. Daryl Ward of Omega Baptist Church and Rev. Sherry Gale of Grace United Methodist Church. The act, which requires criminal background checks on all firearm transactions occurring at gun shows, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael Castle, R-Delaware.

“We just want to make a statement that we support this legislation...We just want a background check,” Ward said Tuesday, April 27. He pointed out that Anchored in Peace is not against Hara Arena or Bill Goodman’s, citing that they are not the parties causing violence in our local communities. However, Gale pointed out that gunshows around the country are currently allowed to sell weapons to people who have a history of committing violent acts.

"At gunshows locally and around the country, weapons are sold to people who otherwise would not pass a background check," Gale said.

“We want to continue to make this a more peaceful place. Our community, our city and our world,” Gale said.

Most of the churches that make up the network are located in northwest Dayton. Besides Omega and Grace United, the other churches in the network include College Hill Community Church, Fairview United Methodist Church, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Santa Clara Apostolic Temple, United Missionary Baptist Church and Zion Baptist Church.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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