SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Leaders of the Catholic Church in Baja California have decided to join the fight against crime by turning their churches into collection points for guns and ammo.
It’s part of a program called “Sí al desarme, sí a la paz,” which means yes to disarming, yes to peace.
Parishioners are asked to bring in their weapons to church if they want to get rid of them with no questions asked.
Compensation is being offered depending on the type of gun brought in. Grenades and explosives are welcome, too.
Archbishop Francisco Moreno Barrón said plans were drawn up last November during a visit with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The actual collection of weapons and ammunition began last week during a ceremony held outside Tijuana’s “old” cathedral.
It was attended by Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, along with other dignitaries to announce the program’s launch.
“You battle violence with peace,” the governor said. “If one life is saved by this program, we can call it a success.
The guns will be collected and destroyed by the Mexican Army.
“I think it’s good the church joins in,” churchgoer Karen Chavez said. “The church has a lot of pull and if anyone brings in a weapon legal or otherwise, it’s something we can all support.”
Similar programs have been instituted in other areas of Mexico with great success, according to Rocio Barcena Molina, Mexico’s Undersecretary for Democratic Development for Social and Religious Relations.
She said at Mexico City’s Basilica, almost 1,400 weapons were recently dropped off along with 58,000 rounds, 126 grenades and 1,200 cartridges.
“Every gun on the streets of Tijuana is practically a homicide waiting to happen,” said Miguel Ángel Gaxiola, Baja California’s head of homicide investigations.
“If we get 20 to 30 weapons turned in, it truly is a great benefit for society,” he said.
