Transforming Communities Through Spiritual Solutions to Gun Violence | Live Free California
Background
Live Free California is a faith-rooted initiative dedicated to addressing gun violence and mass incarceration through spiritual and community-driven solutions. Grounded in deep spiritual values, Live Free fosters cultures of belonging where even the most marginalized are seen, heard, and valued. By bridging divides and centering compassion, we are working to create safer, more inclusive communities.
Initiative Overview
Led by Rev. Ben McBride, Live Free California is part of a national movement working to reduce gun violence and mass incarceration. With a focus on community violence intervention (CVI) initiatives, Live Free connects law enforcement, communities, and survivors of violence to engage in dialogues that prioritize human dignity. At its core, the initiative believes in spiritual solutions that address the root causes of violence and division.
Impact
Provided technical assistance for Oakland’s Ceasefire strategy, leading to a 50% reduction in gun-related homicides over five years.
Led the nation’s largest police trust-building and policy change campaign, engaging 14 cities and passing the strongest police accountability laws in California (AB 953, SB 1420, AB 392).
Created Learning Labs where stakeholders learn from the Civil Rights movement as a case study in resolving social problems through a spiritual approach.
Trained cross-sector teams to implement CVI best practices, bridging divides between communities and law enforcement for structural change.
Conclusion
How Spirituality Makes Our Work Different
At Live Free California, we believe the issues of gun violence and mass incarceration are rooted in a spiritual crisis — a crisis of values and human connection. Our approach centers on learning from those closest to the pain, whether it’s individuals affected by police violence or law enforcement officers themselves. By fostering dynamic cultures of belonging and focusing on spiritual healing, Live Free transforms not just systems, but the relationships at their heart.