Carrying in Church

Line Rider · April 20, 2008, 08:07 PM

During the 80's and 90's I went of a large church of about 1000 during Sunday morning. We were in an area that was going down hill in a hurry. Most mornings I had a J frame in a Bianchi ankle holster. On Wednesday night I usually worn a jacket or sweat shirt so concealing a 1911A1 or GL 17 wasn't a problem. There had been a few muggings and assaults near our church. One robbery ocurred in another church before Sunday School. Several others and I had the blessing of our pastor to carry.

Well today I've had to move due to work. I work every Sunday.(BTW I'm a cop.) I now have a wife and son and would like to at least go to Sunday Evening and Wednesday Evening service with them. They are going to a much smaller rural church now. There are about 50 to 60 on Sunday. I don't have a problem with carrying in church.

How do you feel on the subject of carrying in church? If yes want do you carry or would you carry?

**JohnKSa** · April 20, 2008, 08:19 PM

I carry when and where it's legal.

spamanon · April 20, 2008, 08:26 PM

I carry everywhere it is legal, and nowhere it isn't. After the incident in Utah (or was it Colorado?) I have made a couple of guys at church. One is a cop and the other is a recently discharged (honorably) vet.

deercop · April 20, 2008, 09:05 PM

I usually carry my Seecamp in a pocket. I thought about ankle carry of my Glock 27 or S&W 642, but we attend a Catholic Church, and I doubt the people in the pews behind me would appreciate the view when we're kneeling.

Dr_2_B · April 20, 2008, 09:07 PM

I can't remember the last time I was in church without a handgun. I was a worship pastor for 10 years and on-stage every service. Now I'm not on staff, but I still carry.

Quote:

If yes want do you carry or would you carry?

Geez, everything imaginable from a NAA 22 mag revolver to a GLOCK 45

xrocket · April 20, 2008, 09:11 PM

Seecamp or Sig P232 works for me.

bigghoss · April 20, 2008, 09:36 PM

my church is practically a gun club. the pastor just asked me today if I wanted to buy his walther. lots of people regularly bring their various guns to show to each other. it's almost like a small weekly gunshow. if you're looking for a gun go to my church and ask around.

soldiercraig · April 20, 2008, 09:37 PM

My girlfriend was at the missions school that was attacked in colorado right before the church was attacked. I very much believe that if its legal and wont distract others from worship then by all means carry in church. Because of age I am not able to, but I have plenty of friends that do and I feel more comfortable knowing that protection is near by if something should happen.

denfoote · April 21, 2008, 04:11 AM

If ya do it right, the only person, besides yourself, who's gonna know is God, who, by the way, told ya to carry the danged thing in the first place!!

CajunBass · April 21, 2008, 05:44 AM

From the Virginia code.

Quote:

§ 18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.

If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.

I can neither confirm nor deny rather I do or do not have "good and sufficient reason."

tex45acp · April 21, 2008, 06:56 AM

Since I recieved my CHL I have carried in every church I enter. I have yet to see one that was posted preventing carry.

Allstar · April 21, 2008, 06:59 AM

I would but it is illegal in VA to carry in a church.

Andy W · April 21, 2008, 07:17 AM

I carry a 642 in my front pocket at church.

WESHOOT2 · April 21, 2008, 07:33 AM

"Do you have to wear that thing to church on
Christmas?"

WESHOOT2 · April 21, 2008, 07:37 AM

"Do you have to wear those things all the time?"

(all my guns are carry guns)

DMacLeod · April 21, 2008, 08:20 AM

Back when I was a young buck stationed at Bragg I was on security detail at Christmas Mass. We wore full dress greens. (polished MP helmet, patent leather duty belt, spit shined jump boots, etc) I wouldn't enter wearing my cover or carrying my 45. My partner felt the same way. My thoughts at the time were that a weapon shouldn't be carried in the house of the lord.

But nowadays close to 30 years later I would carry. A lot of things have changed in society in those years. At the very least my Seecamp is always in my pocket, if I am not carrying one of my 45s.

Gbro · April 21, 2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

I have yet to see one that was posted preventing carry.

Minnesota made an exception to the posting law after the 2003 statute was ruled unconstitutional.
Now the churches can post signs in there own words. "Blessed are the peacemakers. Firearms are prohibited in this place of sanctuary"
Or
Just announce there policy to the congregation.
Instead of the words the state said must be posted to prohibit guns.
[If a business wants to enforce its gun ban by using the new law's petty misdemeanor rules regarding possession, the following requirements must be met. A "conspicuous sign" must be posted at every entrance reading "[Name of Business] BANS GUNS IN THESE PREMISES." Additionally, the business must "personally infor[m] the person of the posted request and deman[d] compliance."

Beretta686 · April 21, 2008, 08:40 AM

I'm confused.......

Doesn't God protect his flock, especially those who take time out of their busy live's to worship him? If your a true Christian why don't you put your faith in God and his ultimate wisdom, because it's all part of his plan? Besides what would he protect more than a church?

It seems a bit arrogant to pray for God's protection but than show him that you have no faith in his protection by carrying a gun.

It should be those evil athiests who need a gun, since God obviously doesn't give his protection to them and he surely smites athiest meetings with derranged gunmen much more often than churches..............

vanguard_anon · April 21, 2008, 08:47 AM

I don't care if everybody carries everywhere they go. You can carry at a church, funeral, wedding, movie, hockey game, etc. I only care if you use the weapon (shooting or showing) on a good guy. Assuming that's not your intention, do what ever works for you.

Socrates · April 21, 2008, 08:58 AM

God protects those that protect themselves....

sarge83 · April 21, 2008, 09:00 AM

Colt Detective Special in my pocket or a P32 in my pocket or a glock 19 in other carry arrangements.

stevelyn · April 21, 2008, 09:40 AM

In Glock We Trust.

Playboypenguin · April 21, 2008, 09:43 AM

I do not go to church but I do not see why anyone would not carry there.

The only thing I can think of is people like to use the "Wolf and Sheep" comparison when discussing carrying...sayig that you can be unarmed and be a sheep or armed and a wolf. This might not sit well with the mentality a lot of people have that christians are supposed to be good sheep.

DaveInPA · April 21, 2008, 09:44 AM

You left out the "I don't go to church" option.

Technosavant · April 21, 2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Doesn't God protect his flock, especially those who take time out of their busy live's to worship him? If your a true Christian why don't you put your faith in God and his ultimate wisdom, because it's all part of his plan? Besides what would he protect more than a church?

It seems a bit arrogant to pray for God's protection but than show him that you have no faith in his protection by carrying a gun.

A man was trapped on a sinking boat. He prayed for God's deliverance. A helicopter came, but he refused rescue, saying God will save him. Another boat came, but he again refused rescue for the same reason. Finally, the boat sank and he drowned. When before God, he asked "God, why didn't you save me?"

God replied, "I sent a boat and a helicopter! What more did you want!"

I submit that it is not arrogant to carry tools of defense in church. A church building is only a building, no more sacred than anywhere else the people of God happen to be. Theologically, there's nothing significant about a church building, since the church is the PEOPLE, not the walls and roof. Therefore, under your viewpoint, there's no reason to prepare for defense anywhere, since God will protect His people everywhere.

He doesn't always keep bad things from happening (that's another theological ball of wax, and off topic). So His people should be prepared to handle things. We wear seat belts, maintain insurance coverage, and carry firearms. It is quite clear from history that God doesn't give blanket protection to churches, unless you plan to claim those people killed in a church were not true Christians.

As the preacher, I am armed every time I'm in the building (unless it is an election day, when state laws prohibit CCW in polling places). For sure I'm armed at every worship service, and I have the best field of fire.

As for the "don't go to church" folks, well, this isn't too much different from "what 1911 do you like" and people chime in with "Glock 19." Feel no need to announce to the rest of us your religious preference.

View Poll Results: How do you feel about CCW in Church
I always carry.	55	61.80%
I sometimes carry.	19	21.35%
I don't carry, but don't mind if others do.	13	14.61%
I don't carry, and no one should carry in church.	2	2.25%
Voters: 89. You may not vote on this poll

April 20, 2008, 08:07 PM	#1
Line Rider Member Join Date: November 29, 2002 Location: Greenbow, Alabama Posts: 82	Carrying in Church During the 80's and 90's I went of a large church of about 1000 during Sunday morning. We were in an area that was going down hill in a hurry. Most mornings I had a J frame in a Bianchi ankle holster. On Wednesday night I usually worn a jacket or sweat shirt so concealing a 1911A1 or GL 17 wasn't a problem. There had been a few muggings and assaults near our church. One robbery ocurred in another church before Sunday School. Several others and I had the blessing of our pastor to carry. Well today I've had to move due to work. I work every Sunday.(BTW I'm a cop.) I now have a wife and son and would like to at least go to Sunday Evening and Wednesday Evening service with them. They are going to a much smaller rural church now. There are about 50 to 60 on Sunday. I don't have a problem with carrying in church. How do you feel on the subject of carrying in church? If yes want do you carry or would you carry?

April 20, 2008, 08:19 PM	#2
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,005	I carry when and where it's legal. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

April 20, 2008, 08:26 PM	#3
spamanon Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2008 Location: idaho Posts: 373	Every Sunday. I carry everywhere it is legal, and nowhere it isn't. After the incident in Utah (or was it Colorado?) I have made a couple of guys at church. One is a cop and the other is a recently discharged (honorably) vet. __________________ The second amendment articulates one of my rights, but like the other amendments, grants none.

April 20, 2008, 09:05 PM	#4
deercop Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 134	I usually carry my Seecamp in a pocket. I thought about ankle carry of my Glock 27 or S&W 642, but we attend a Catholic Church, and I doubt the people in the pews behind me would appreciate the view when we're kneeling. __________________ NRA Life Member Certified GLOCK Armorer

April 20, 2008, 09:11 PM	#6
xrocket Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2007 Posts: 549	Seecamp or Sig P232 works for me. __________________ If you don't stand for something you'll fall for anything. My stand begins with "WE THE PEOPLE" ...

April 20, 2008, 09:36 PM	#7
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	my church is practically a gun club. the pastor just asked me today if I wanted to buy his walther. lots of people regularly bring their various guns to show to each other. it's almost like a small weekly gunshow. if you're looking for a gun go to my church and ask around. __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.

April 20, 2008, 09:37 PM	#8
soldiercraig Member Join Date: March 29, 2008 Location: Colorado springs, co Posts: 98	My girlfriend was at the missions school that was attacked in colorado right before the church was attacked. I very much believe that if its legal and wont distract others from worship then by all means carry in church. Because of age I am not able to, but I have plenty of friends that do and I feel more comfortable knowing that protection is near by if something should happen. __________________ "I have learned that there are troubles of more than one kind, some come from ahead and some come from behind, but I've brought a big bat, I am all ready you see, now my troubles are going to have troubles with me" -Dr. Seuss

April 21, 2008, 04:11 AM	#9
denfoote Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 1999 Location: Buckeye Arizona Posts: 5,526	If ya do it right, the only person, besides yourself, who's gonna know is God, who, by the way, told ya to carry the danged thing in the first place!! __________________ Ich bin kein Nationalsozialist!!!!!! Ich bin Republikaner!!!!!!!! Neca eos omnes. Deus suos agnoset. Arizona: Flush the Johns!!!

April 21, 2008, 06:56 AM	#11
tex45acp Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2005 Location: The Great State of Texas Posts: 1,032	Since I recieved my CHL I have carried in every church I enter. I have yet to see one that was posted preventing carry. __________________ “All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.“

April 21, 2008, 06:59 AM	#12
Allstar Member Join Date: March 7, 2008 Posts: 39	I would but it is illegal in VA to carry in a church. __________________ "The only breath that matters is the one you take after the other person isn't breathing. That is the only breathing that matters in a tactical situation. Train like you fight, in battle you will be breathing rapidly and shooting, not holding your breath." Johnny Rimer SO1 (Ret.)

April 21, 2008, 07:17 AM	#13
Andy W Member Join Date: November 19, 2007 Location: KY Posts: 51	I carry a 642 in my front pocket at church.

April 21, 2008, 07:33 AM	#14
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I can still hear my mom (1976 -- 4" Security Six) "Do you have to wear that thing to church on Christmas?" __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

April 21, 2008, 07:37 AM	#15
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I can still hear my mom (here-n-now - I no longer visit church) "Do you have to wear those things all the time?" (all my guns are carry guns) __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

April 21, 2008, 08:20 AM	#16
DMacLeod Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 425	Back when I was a young buck stationed at Bragg I was on security detail at Christmas Mass. We wore full dress greens. (polished MP helmet, patent leather duty belt, spit shined jump boots, etc) I wouldn't enter wearing my cover or carrying my 45. My partner felt the same way. My thoughts at the time were that a weapon shouldn't be carried in the house of the lord. But nowadays close to 30 years later I would carry. A lot of things have changed in society in those years. At the very least my Seecamp is always in my pocket, if I am not carrying one of my 45s.

April 21, 2008, 08:40 AM	#18
Beretta686 Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 761	I'm confused....... Doesn't God protect his flock, especially those who take time out of their busy live's to worship him? If your a true Christian why don't you put your faith in God and his ultimate wisdom, because it's all part of his plan? Besides what would he protect more than a church? It seems a bit arrogant to pray for God's protection but than show him that you have no faith in his protection by carrying a gun. It should be those evil athiests who need a gun, since God obviously doesn't give his protection to them and he surely smites athiest meetings with derranged gunmen much more often than churches.............. __________________ "Our contract called for 16 cases of rifles and ammunition for $10,000 dollars, not a machine gun...........That is our present to the General"-Pike Bishop “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”

April 21, 2008, 08:47 AM	#19
vanguard_anon Member Join Date: April 20, 2008 Location: RTP, NC Posts: 49	I don't care if everybody carries everywhere they go. You can carry at a church, funeral, wedding, movie, hockey game, etc. I only care if you use the weapon (shooting or showing) on a good guy. Assuming that's not your intention, do what ever works for you.

April 21, 2008, 08:58 AM	#20
Socrates Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2005 Location: East Bay NorCal, People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 5,866	God protects those that protect themselves....

April 21, 2008, 09:00 AM	#21
sarge83 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2000 Posts: 426	Colt Detective Special in my pocket or a P32 in my pocket or a glock 19 in other carry arrangements.

April 21, 2008, 09:40 AM	#22
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	In Glock We Trust. __________________ Stop Allowing Our Schools To Be Soft Targets! http://fastersaveslives.org/ East Moose. Wear Wolf.

April 21, 2008, 09:43 AM	#23
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	I do not go to church but I do not see why anyone would not carry there. The only thing I can think of is people like to use the "Wolf and Sheep" comparison when discussing carrying...sayig that you can be unarmed and be a sheep or armed and a wolf. This might not sit well with the mentality a lot of people have that christians are supposed to be good sheep.

April 21, 2008, 09:44 AM	#24
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	You left out the "I don't go to church" option.