Gun Violence Community Conversation at the National Cathedral Thursday

The Washington National Cathedral will host "Speaking From Experience: Seasoned Leaders Offer Solutions," a conversation on gun violence prevention strategies Thursday at 7 p.m.

The event starts off several days of activities surrounding the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend.

“This is a critical moment in the life of our nation. The faith community has seen the tragic results of inaction, and we cannot stand by any longer,” the Very Rev. Gary Hall, dean of Washington National Cathedral, said in a press release. “No one should be at risk from gun violence in a schoolroom, in the workplace, on our city streets, at a shopping mall, a movie theater—or anywhere else. This weekend of programs offers time to reflect, unite, and act to curb the epidemic of gun violence in our midst.”

Thursday, a speaker panel will include Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Chief Patrick Burke, R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis and Dr. Arthur Kellerman, director of the Rand Institute. The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, will lead the community conversation.

There will be a live webcast of the discussion.

The cathedral explains its participation in the Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend on its website:

"These unique series of faith-based events will foster unity and hope among participants, who will be given the chance to reflect on gun-related incidents, comment on the shocking prevalence of gun violence and the inadequacies of current gun laws, and propose viable solutions to diminish gun violence and ensure the safety of the American people."

See the full schedule of events here.