Christian Pipe Smokers

I just got back from Active Shooter Training at church, put on by the local DA's office.
There is a real concern in the diocese now regarding active shooters, and as an usher and CCW
holder I'm now encouraged to carry at mass.

Yikes!

I never thought it would come to this.
Carrying doesn't bother me because I've done it for so long with the SO, but carrying in church is a bit disconcerting.

It may not last long though because Gov Newsom wants to make churches legal gun free zones, so even with a CCW it will be illegal to pack heat,
which of course makes churches in CA even softer targets.

What say you?

Every man has his own conscience on this matter and reasonable men of faith may differ without either being wrong.

Listen to your conscience, my friend.

I'm just thankful criminals respect gun-free zones.

Hovannes wrote: ↑12 Oct 2022, 20:18 What say you?

Our bishop encouraged pastors to "harden our soft targets."

Our pastor has asked some CCW guys to position themselves mindfully during Mass.

If your bishop and pastor have asked you to protect the innocent with your skills.... don't give much attention to Newsom's tempting you to disobedience.

(I think Gavin Newsom might be the patron demon of "small laws.")

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
Newsome is a moron socialist but Californians get what they vote for. He obviously WANTS churches to be vulnerable. It doesn't matter what he SAYS it's what he DOES that shows where his heart is.

By making schools and churches gun free they know the killings will occur that the need to stir up public support to remove guns entirely. This is how the fascists operate. They are NOT well meaning.

Hovannes wrote: ↑12 Oct 2022, 20:18What say you?

Newsom is an idiot.

I'm a big 2nd amendment guy, but I've always been a bit torn about bringing weapons into church. I certainly don't want any laws declaring churches gun free zones either. I think a good alternative, if one is concerned about such things, would be to post armed men, preferably deacons, concealed or otherwise--the circumstances may dictate--outside of the sanctuary.

When we moved to our new town a few years ago we visited a church that had armed men mulling about, close to each entrance. They wore matching t-shirts and tactical trousers, not unlike those who work security at rock concerts. I found it off-putting, but, on reflection, their overt and obvious presence is certainly a deterrence to a bad actor. Armed men that 'blend in' can stop a bad guy once he's in the building and opens up, but still, they're a step behind.

Active shooters and child molesters - rotten issues that every church and every congregation needs to have plans for. It stinks.

I carry a gun everywhere I go except work (airport rules). I hope never to need it, but I agree with what Oliver Cromwell said. "Put your faith in God, but keep your powder dry."

Only the police and military should have guns.