|
Post by M. Hawbaker on Nov 20, 2022 15:40:01 GMT
A pastor is suing New York State over a law prohibiting firearms at houses of worship, warning the government's provisions put his church at risk and hamper Second Amendment rights. Michael Spencer, pastor of His Tabernacle Family Church, a Christian church in Horseheads, New York, argues the law unconstitutionally restricts churches' Second Amendment rights while still allowing businesses to decide for themselves whether a firearm is permitted on their property. Spencer is hoping to see a court overturn these gun regulations, citing the impact on his church's security ministry, which can no longer carry weapons to protect the property. Past threats and concerns have left the preacher and his church feeling vulnerable. "One of the challenges that we have is that we're on television now," Spencer said, noting the large size of his church. "When somebody has—whether it be a psychological issue or a God-hating issue—we're probably the first ones [they go after]." The preacher said he and his late wife not long ago received a message from someone who threatened to shoot them in the head. Other similar incidents have unfolded over the years. But Spencer said his biggest concern is the parishioners—and especially the children—who worship at the church. www.charismanews.com/culture/90738-pastor-sues-new-york-state-over-house-of-worship-gun-ban
|
|
|
Post by M. Hawbaker on Nov 20, 2022 15:45:51 GMT
I admit that I am not entirely comfortable with the idea of people being allowed to carry weapons in church; but I do think that the leaders of individual churches and their congregations should have the right to chose for themselves whether (or under what circumstances) to allow it or not.
I also can see where having armed security might be a good idea in areas where there is a lot of hostility toward the church or toward religion in general.
My own church has at various times over the last few years used members who were off duty police or former military to provide security when there was cause for concern over current events such as when there were a lot of threats being made against churches during the BLM George Floyd riots a couple of years ago, when threats were being made against churches that were open (or reopened) during the height of the Covid scamdemic, or when there were a rash of church arsons in the area in the early 2010s.
|
|
|
Post by barb43 on Nov 20, 2022 19:55:25 GMT
I'm fine with people carrying guns in church. Around here, people are carrying whether you know they are or not. Oklahoma is a constitutional carry state. Sure, some people may overreact to something - but if they do, I want a someone else to react and take them down before a lot of people are hurt or killed.
I chalk it up to the kind of world we live in.
|
|