With gun violence on the rise across America, more faith groups are getting involved in gun control debates.

Movita Johnson-Harrell is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She got involved in gun violence prevention efforts after the death of her son in 2011 and became the first Muslim member of the Pennsylvania Legislature in 2019.

Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Ga., serves in the U.S. House of Representatives. She entered politics after her son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed in 2012. Before her election to Congress, McBath led faith outreach for Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action.

Deanna Hollas is the minister of gun violence prevention for the Presbyterian Church (USA.) She coordinates related programming through the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship.

Bishop Mariann Budde leads the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C. She is a member of Bishops United Against Gun Violence, an ad hoc group of around 60 Episcopal leaders. Contact the Rev. Daryl Paul Lobban to arrange an interview.

Rabbi Joseph R. Black is senior rabbi of Temple Emanuel in Denver. After the 2018 synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, he spoke out about rising gun violence and the need for improved gun laws.

The start of the NFL season is an opportunity to write about gambling-related religious teachings.

The Rev. Kent Siladi is a conference minister for the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. Along with fellow church members, he lobbied against expanding gambling access in Connecticut.

Jennifer Roberts is the associate director of the International Center for Gaming Regulation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.