Churches offering concealed-carry weapons training to attract members [View all]

[spin]

Note cross posted from the Gun Control & RKBA (Group) as suggested by rrneck.

WHAT WOULD JESUS SHOOT?

Churches offering concealed-carry weapons training to attract members

By Justin Rocket Silverman Sunday, November 25, 2012



MARENGO, Ohio — Salvation isn’t automatic — but it might be semiautomatic.

In an effort to increase membership, a number of U.S. churches — including the Church of Christ congregation in this rural village 30 miles north of Columbus — are offering an unconventional public service: Concealed weapons training.

“Church has done a good job with coffee klatsches or whatever, but we haven’t really reached out to guys,” said Jeff Copley, a preacher at the church. “And guys in Morrow Country, they shoot and they hunt.”

Hundreds of students have enrolled in the 10-hour course, which meets the state requirements for earning a concealed weapons permit. The training includes two hours on a church member’s private shooting range.

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The Marengo church launched its program several years ago and was likely among the first in the country to offer concealed weapons training. But from Texas to North Carolina, a smattering of congregations have recently followed suit, as ministers seek to capitalize on local enthusiasm for gun culture and demand for carry permit classes to expand their flocks.
http://www.thedaily.com/article/2012/11/11/news-concealed-carry-church/

Many people disagree with allowing concealed carry inside a church and some states do not allow it. I rarely go to church (usually for weddings, etc.) but when I do, I legally carry. I see no major problems with those who faithfully follow any religion owning firearms for self defense and even legally carrying them in public.

Still I am sure that many will disagree with my opinion and feel it would be an interesting topic for discussion in this group.