From Massachusetts-
Police and local clergy said the 41 firearms they collected during Sunday's gun safety exchange program included everything from an old rifle with mold on the stock to a loaded sawed-off shotgun and many working handguns.
But they said it is not the age or the type of the weapon that matters.
They said what is significant is that there are 41 fewer guns on the streets and less chances of accidents in the home from a loaded firearm.
David Lima, executive director of the Inter-Church Council, said that every gun turned in also means there is less of a chance it will fall into the wrong hands and be used in the commission of a crime.
Lima said 26 guns were collected at Grace Episcopal Church; and five each at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Potter House and the Union Baptist Church, as conclusion of the three-week faith-based initiative aimed at increasing awareness and attacking the gun violence problem in New Bedford.
"I think we did well," he said.
Lima said he feels it made a difference that the churches were involved. "Some people brought things out they never would have brought," he said.
Sunday's program was the wrap-up of the program that saw religious leaders preaching from their pulpits against gun violence; a peace covenant signed by religious, police, community and elected officials to work toward an end to violence; and a workshop on how guns are trafficked.
More here-
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091005/NEWS/910050318/1018/OPINION
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