During a class attended by our Staff Parish Relationship committee members and given by a Bishop it was suggested (I'd guess strongly but I didn't attend, one of the few committees I'm not on) that churches post 30.06.Oldgringo wrote:WELL!Keith B wrote:I think it is important to make sure your church understands your position if they try to post a 30.06. I would be meeting directly if with the Senior Pastor on the issue and letting him know he will loose several members if they proceed with posting. Education of the church staff is key.
And, this is not a one denomination vs. another thing. I am Methodist. If you think we are more open to guns than another denomination, read the first sentence in the third paragraph of this UMC documenthttp://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=937" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Besides, I know more Baptist preachers and members that carry than I do Methodist. Maybe it's because they are better at witnessing??I definitely don't subscribe to that bunch of closed mind and heart {stuff} EITHER. I guess I can convert to Deism, as were many of our founding fathers, if need be or....whatever?
Is it any wonder that the so-called charismatic churches are growing while the traditional denominations are declining? I think I'm going to go and load some .45's.
Along with that, I believe that 100% of the Methodist churches in Texas (or so I was told by their rep) are covered by Church Mutual insurance company. Church Mutual is very much against allowning weapons in church, having advised in a Texas newsletter to post 30.06. These excerpts are from their Risk Alert Bulletine titled "Armed Security" (http://www.churchmutual.com/documents/R ... curity.pdf)
In late 2007, a person entered a church in Colorado Springs, Colo., and opened fire. The armed
security team at the church reacted and shot the gunman. There is no doubt the actions taken by
the armed security person at the church saved lives, but it just didn’t happen because the security
person was armed. The team was aware of the potential threat because of an incident earlier in the
week, and there was proper training, preparation, experienced personnel, communication and a
plan in place for the threat. All of this came together. It just didn’t happen because someone at the
church had a gun.
Arming your security force
If your organization decides it wants to pursue an armed security force, here are some tips for your
security plan:
• Discuss all aspects of your plan with your local law enforcement agency.
• Create a written security plan that includes a violence response plan.
• Notify your insurance company of your decision.
• Don’t have your security force in uniform. Sometimes the uniforms act as targets for an unstable
person wanting to perform a random act of violence. Uniforms can also deter members and guests
from attending services. It’s best if your security team blends in with the crowd.
• Allow only law enforcement officers to serve on your armed security force. (See below.)
• There is no training program a civilian can attend to be allowed to serve on your armed security force.
• Post notices that you are using armed security officers.
• Create and publicize that weapons are not allowed to be carried on your grounds by anyone other
than your security officers.
• Know your state laws regarding the type of weapon your security force can carry.
• A background check must be performed on anyone who will be armed.
• Your organization is responsible for the actions of the security force.