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Faith Over Fear: A Conversation Around Gun Violence in America

September 25, 2015 by Patheos Editors

On 30 October, Abigail E. Disney's directorial debut, The Armor of Light, will be released nationwide. Disney and film subjects Reverend Rob Schenck and Lucy McBath will take the film on the road September 28th through October 2nd, 2015 for a special series of pre-release events aimed at creating a dialogue with faith leaders around issues of gun violence. The Faith Over Fear tour includes stops in Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, and Orlando — all major centers of Christian faith thought and worship. The plan to share The Armor of Light in these areas prior to the release grew from the interest and support of many influential faith leaders around the nation. Disney, McBath, and Schenck hope to begin prayerful and respectful conversation around reducing gun violence in America.

"The idea for Faith Over Fear was developed after great interest from influential faith leaders and developing a plan together on how best to bring the message of The Armor of Light to the community. Although we will also open the film in New York and Los Angeles and other urban centers, presenting it to the traditional documentary film audience, I wanted to make a film that could really bring people together across the spectrum, so we begin to focus not on what divides us, but what unites us," said Abigail E. Disney.

The Armor of Light, which premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival, tracks Reverend Schenck as he tries to find the courage to preach about the growing toll of gun violence in America. Schenck, who operates the well-known ministry Faith and Action in Washington, D.C., questions whether America's gun culture is consistent with his pro-life values. Schenck finds inspiration in Lucy McBath, the mother of Jordan Davis, an unarmed teenager who was murdered in Florida and whose story has raised questions about the moral underpinnings of so-called "Stand Your Ground" laws. Faith Over Fear is inspired by their partnership.

"I joined this project because I believe the question of faith and guns is a relevant one for all of us. I think it is urgent for Christians and those of faith to seek prayerful and biblical answers to the moral and ethical questions surrounding the use of lethal weapons," added Rev. Rob Schenck.

The trio will be welcomed by some of the nation's leading evangelical pastors and thought leaders including Houston pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, the spiritual advisor to former president George W. Bush, and Pastor James McDonald in Chicago, who leads a mega church with many satellite campuses. Free film events and screenings are planned to be held in numerous key cities during the tour.

"I applaud Abby Disney and Rev. Rob Schenck for wanting to start a conversation within Christian leadership about the tragedy of gun violence and how to approach it from a spiritual and moral perspective. This is a must see film," said Dr. Garland Hunt, former President of Prison Fellowship Ministries, a non-profit organization started by Chuck Colson.

Pastor Mike MacIntosh, one of the original pastors mentored by the late Chuck Smith, founder and pastor of the Calvary Chapel church movement, and Senior Pastor of the San Diego mega-church, Horizon Christian Fellowship, said, "What a tremendous film Abby Disney has created in The Armor of Light! Not only is it moving, it stimulates productive conversation among Christians and non-Christians alike. I applaud Rev. Rob Schenck's humility and his desire to look toward God's Word when it comes to the increasing issue of gun violence in our nation. As a Christian leader, Pastor, and Chaplain, I welcome this conversation. It's important — as is this film."

"I am hosting The Armor of Light pre-screening because Abigail Disney is one of the most interesting and intriguing persons in America," said Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Windsor Village United Methodist Church. "This film is worth viewing simply because it is the product of Abigail's head, heart, and soul."

In addition to the scheduled in-person appearances, Fork Films plans to make the film available, for free, to colleges and universities for screenings on October 2. These screenings will include special showings and discussions at Brandeis University, Biola University, Madonna University, Hamilton University, and more.

Schedule:

PHILADELPHIA
Date: 9.28.15
Location: Eagle Residence Hall Great Room
Address: 1300 Eagle Rd., Wayne PA 19087
Time: 6:30PM

CHICAGO:
Date: 9.29.15
Location: Harvest Bible Chapel
Address: 800 Rohlwing Rd, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Time: 7:00PM

HOUSTON:
Date: 9.30.15
Location: The Power Center
Address: 12401 South Post Oak, Houston, TX 77045
Time: 5:00PM

LAKELAND/ORLANDO:
Date: 10.01.15
Location: The Polk Theater
Address: 121 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, Florida
Time: 7:00PM

9/25/2015 4:00:00 AM

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