Religious Leaders Head To Europe To Lobby Gun Execs For Changes
MAHWAY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Frustrated by the slow pace of Congress in enacting what they believe would be stringent gun control, religious leaders are heading straight to firearms manufacturers in Europe.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported, representatives of the Metro Industrial Arts Foundation -- a network of local faith and community-based organizations -- hopes that during their week-long mission they can convince gun makers to only sell in the United States to licensed dealers and to stop pumping cash into the American political system, said Rabbi Joel Mosbacher of Mahway.
"We think about our obligation not to stand idly by while our neighbors bleed," Mosbacher told Smith.
Religious Leaders Head To Europe To Lobby Gun Execs For Changes
"That won't in in itself solve the problem, but we think we'll make a big difference on the issue of gun violence."
The religious leaders hope to speak with officials from Glock in Austria, SIG Sauer in Germany and Berretta in Italy. They also plan to ask gun executives to invest in research and development for "smarter and safer gun technology," Mosbacher said.
There was no word Sunday if the executives will agree to the meetings.
Mosbacher added that he would like to see police departments around the country leverage their buying power by requiring some of the changes before signing purchase orders.
"We're looking for a different way," Mosbacher said. "We don't think Congress is the only one who can effect change in America."
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