In the wake of the accidental shooting of a Millwood Arts Academy Middle School student and other gun deaths, a local church wants to talk to the community about gun safety in partnership with Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna.

Pr. Kelly Booker said a free gun safety awareness program is set for 11 a.m. Sunday at New Union Baptist Church, 5404 N Kelley Ave., where he is senior pastor. He said the event will give community members the opportunity to be part of a meaningful dialogue about firearm safety and learn practical ways to ensure safer neighborhoods.

“The amount of gun violence that’s going on in Oklahoma and then the lack of voices talking about the senselessness of kids accidentally shooting themselves or shooting someone else, led us to try to see what we could do about the gun. the violence that takes place,” he said.

The preacher said the event is open to the public, including concerned citizens, gun owners, parents and community leaders. Behenna is expected to speak about the importance of gun safety. Free gun locks will be distributed while supplies last and refreshments will be served.

More: Oklahoma has one of the highest gun suicide rates in the US. Study cites weak gun laws.

Change around gun violence requires the involvement of the entire community, the pastor says

Booker said the accidental shooting of Tyler Taffe, middle school student at Millwood Arts Academy12, was among the factors that led him and his congregation to coordinate the event. Taffe’s mother and brother were charged with child neglect after Tyler was found dead in the early morning of Sept. 28 at their home.

“You know, we hear people talking about it, we see it happening on the news, we read it in the papers, and the only way to really start prevention is for us as a community to get involved,” Booker said.

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Meanwhile, the pastor will also share a message of faith based on the story of the brothers Cain and Abel found in Genesis 4.

“I think a lot of people don’t understand that we are our brother’s keepers – the value of life is not what it used to be,” he said. “Fights are fought with guns instead of fists.”

Booker hopes to see people from the entire community in attendance.

“As a community, I’m imploring parents, especially those who have experienced gun violence in their families, to participate, be a part of it and get involved,” he said.

“This is for everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. It’s anyone who needs it. We look forward to seeing you there … because we are definitely our brother’s keepers – we have a responsibility to take care of our brothers. “

This article originally appeared on The Oklahoman: New Union Baptist Church, DA will hold a gun safety event in OKC