Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Opens Registration for 2025 Gun Violence Prevention Training

As the nation grapples with ongoing gun violence, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship is preparing to equip church leaders with the tools to take action. Registration is now open for the 2025 James Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage, an annual national training for gun violence prevention. This ecumenical gathering will take place September 24–27, 2025, at Massanetta Springs Camp & Conference Center near Harrisonburg, Virginia.

The theme for 2025, “Gun Violence Prevention for Such a Time as This,” reflects the urgent need for faith communities to respond effectively. Participants—including clergy and lay leaders from various denominations—will gain skills in preaching and discussing gun violence prevention (GVP), handling opposition and trauma, emergency response, and community engagement strategies. The Institute will also provide hands-on training for Guns to Gardens events, where firearms are transformed into garden tools as a symbol of peace.

The Institute will feature a range of experts, including:

• Joshua Horwitz, Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions
• Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director of Advocacy for the PC(USA)
• Scotty Utz, Quaker artist and blacksmith with RAWTools South
• Rev. Rosalind Hughes, author of Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence

The event honors the legacy of Rev. James Atwood, a longtime advocate for gun violence prevention. A public address on Sept. 24 will highlight the power of storytelling in advocacy and call for courage in a shifting political climate.

Registration & Details

• Registration Fee: $180 per person (travel and lodging not included)
• Lodging: Available at Massanetta Springs
• Participant Limit: 150 people
• Scholarships: Limited assistance available; sponsorships needed

For more information or to register, visit the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship website. Those interested in sponsoring or applying for scholarships can contact Rev. Jan Orr-Harter at gvp@presbypeacefellowship.org.