Episcopal churches ban weapons after expansion of Georgia’s gun laws

[SecularMotion]

Episcopal churches in Middle and North Georgia have banned firearms from their sanctuaries following Gov. Nathan Deal’s approval of legislation that widely expands the state’s gun laws.

Bishop Robert Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta issued the directive Monday, telling church leaders and parishioners that the only exception to the policy will be on-duty law enforcement officers.

“My judgment and this policy are based on the normative understanding of the teachings of Jesus as the Episcopal Church has received them,” Wright wrote in a letter about House Bill 60, which takes effect July 1. “This matter and I hope this policy afford us yet another opportunity to live the words we pray each week.”

Dubbed the “guns everywhere” legislation by opponents, HB 60 passed on the final day of this year’s state legislative session and expands where Georgians may legally carry firearms, including schools, bars and government buildings.

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/episcopal-churches-ban-weapons-after-expansion-of-/nfkZk/

[get the red out]

1. WOW

I guess they risk being called "not real Christians" even more fervently.

[gejohnston]

5. I doubt it

Their house their rules. It isn't even a 2A issue. It is a Church/State separation issue. The State has no compelling interest in banning guns or anything else in churches anymore than they would in, say, Starbucks. There is, however, a reasonalbe case to be made about bars.

While I agree with that provision of the law for the above reason, I don't care either way about the Church's opinion.

[gejohnston]

2. That is how it should work

It should be up to the Church, not the State. Their house, their rules.

[Hangingon]

4. Well said.

[TupperHappy]

3. they are perfectly within their right to do so

Now, do you actually have anything to discuss, or is this just another "post and run"?

[blueridge3210]

6. What are your thoughts on this article? (NT)

[rurallib]

7. so if a guy shows up with a gun strapped on what do they do?

After that incident at the ballpark the other day I am guessing the local police either can't or won't remove the guy. I doubt the pastor wants to confront an armed person.

[blueridge3210]

9. It's private property.

The Pastor or other church official can advise the person that weapons are not allowed on the premises and request that they disarm or leave. If there is concern for safety they can call the police and advise the same; the police can then advise the individual of the law and arrest if they do not comply. The ballpark incident was public/community property and subject to different rules.

[Straw Man]

12. He can be "trespassed."

It's private property. The church is perfectly within their rights to ask the police to remove him. They will do so and will charge him with trespassing, and maybe a couple of other things as well, depending on how he comported himself in the encounter.

And that's the way it should be.

[Eleanors38]

8. They can do that. No big deal. nt

[spin]

10. That's fine with me. (n/t)

[Duckhunter935]

11. OK

Sounds good to me

[Logical]

13. Some stores in kansas do that also. Their right. But less and less are banning them. nt

[ileus]

14. Wonder why they want to mark themselves as easy victims...

My Church encourages CC.


And that's the way it should be, just because you're in church doesn't mean you should be a willing victim.