Congregations across SC taking part in event on gun violence

CHARLESTON, SC (AP)  — An estimated 1,300 congregations across South Carolina are participating this weekend in Stand-Up Sunday to focus on gun violence in the wake of last year’s shootings at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church.

Gun Sense SC, the nonprofit helping coordinate the events, is calling for tighter background checks on gun sales and stricter enforcement of existing gun laws while respecting people’s rights to bear arms.

Almost a dozen bills have been introduced in Columbia. Some congregations plan to write letters to state lawmakers to support tighter laws.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)