St. Louis Episcopalians act against gun violence as homicide rate spikes

St. Louis is being called America’s murder capital after a recent spike in gun violence, making the city the site of more killings per capita than any other major U.S. city.

The 188 killings last year prompted a renewed focus, including by the Episco­pal Diocese of Missouri, on the causes and possible solutions of such violence.

“One death is too many,” said Marc Smith, who last year became the bishop’s deputy for gun violence prevention. But developing a plan of response defies easy answers.