Hollas holds a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology and a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theology Seminary. In addition to her work as a Dallas gun violence prevention activist, she is co-founder of Retreat House Spirituality Center in Richardson, Texas, a covenant community of spiritual directors. Her husband, Chris Hollas, and children Eleanor, Emily and John joined her at the service.

DALLAS — On Sunday the Rev. Deanna Hollas became the first-known minister of Gun Violence Prevention following a service held at her home church in Dallas.

Sponsored by Grace Presbytery, which includes congregations of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in north and northeastern Texas, the service of ordination was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

“In the last 100 days, 10,000 Americans have died from gun violence and 22,000 have been injured,” said the preacher for the service, the Rev. Dr. Clay Brantley. “Deanna’s call is a sign of the great persistence and wisdom of God.”

In her new call, Hollas will serve as the Coordinator of Gun Violence Prevention Ministries of Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, serving a network of over 800 local Presbyterian gun violence prevention advocates in all 50 states.

“With all the gun violence in our country, it is easy to lose hope and ask: where is God? But I am hopeful,” Hollas said. “I see God raising up so many people and churches to study and speak out and work towards ending the violence that is plaguing our nation. Change is coming.”

Hollas holds a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology and a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theology Seminary. In addition to her work as a Dallas gun violence prevention activist, she is co-founder of Retreat House Spirituality Center in Richardson, Texas, a covenant community of spiritual directors. Her husband, Chris Hollas, and children Eleanor, Emily and John joined her at the service.

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