Luke 22:36 comes to mind. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.”
Also Peter drew his sword and cut off an ear. He was admonished by Jesus but just the same, he carried a sword.
I think God means us to be armed - just not foolish about it.
I agree with what you are saying. I think talking about saving souls (Faith) and Life issues (morals) is appropriate.
Talking about gun control is well beyond the area of expertise of clergy. As far as that goes, so is health care.
It may by a care issue, but clergy simply don’t have the complex knowledge to deal with such issues. The Catholic Church got outmaneuvered again and again during the health care debates.
They should have stuck to the “religious freedom” aspects of health care.