US pastor opens church to guns (KY)

BBC ^ | 27 June, 2009 | NA

[marktwain]

A pastor in the US state of Kentucky has told his flock to bring handguns to church in what he says is an effort to promote safe gun ownership. Pastor Ken Pagano told parishioners to bring their unloaded guns to New Bethel Church in Louisville for a service celebrating the right to bear arms. He said he acted after church members voiced fears the Obama administration could tighten gun control laws. When the service began, some 200 people were present, AP news agency said. "We are wanting to send a message that there are legal, civil, intelligent and law-abiding citizens who also own guns," Mr Pagano told the congregation. "If it were not for a deep-seated belief in the right to bear arms, this country would not be here today," he said. The pastor was also planning a handgun raffle, as well as providing information on gun safety. In the US, the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, and there are thought to be more than 200 million firearms in private hands. But some gun owners fear that the new administration in the White House could try to challenge or amend some gun ownership laws. Critics of the laws, meanwhile, link high levels of gun crime with high levels of gun ownership.

[marktwain]

The BBC cannot help but make the logical fallacy that it is the level of "gun crime" that matters rather than the level of total crime. Of course you have more "gun crime" when you have more guns. It is like saying that you have more "automobile crime" when you have more automobiles. What they do not say is that when guns are more available legaly, the total amount of crime slightly decreases.

[lilylangtree]

I don’t see a problem taking a gun to church. In fact when I took a handgun safety class, the instructor stressed taking a gun to any location. In fact there are purses especially designed to hide a handgun. It was worth considering purchasing one to carry a handgun. Now mainstream media is going bonkers over the mere fact that people like to carry their own handguns. Sheesh!

[Cindy]

“I don’t see a problem taking a gun to church.”

#

I don’t either as long as the person carrying the gun is legally allowed to do so.

I can’t recall not being in a church where some of the worshippers are armed.

I believe the BBC is most likely not familiar with American Christian churches.

[Redbob]

"Pastor Ken Pagano told parishioners to bring their unloaded guns to New Bethel Church in Louisville for a service celebrating the right to bear arms."

So that someone with a LOADED gun could steal them all?

Better off leaving an UNloaded gun locked up at home.
That way when you're robbed the thief won't get your gun too.

[Redbob]

" But some most gun owners fear that the new administration in the White House could try to challenge or amend some gun ownership laws."

There.
Fixed

[Redbob]

"I believe the BBC is most likely not familiar with American Christian churches."

Nor, for that matter, with the Christian churches of any other nation, including those of Britain.

[Huskrrrr]

“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.”

Or was it “Pass the Lord and praise the ammunition”.

[Slimey]

I have to agree with #4
An unloaded weapon is as useless as it gets. Truthfully now,if you feel inadequate without a weapon, YOU ARE just as inadequate with an unloaded one.