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If this question has already been answered, could someone please point me to the link, but a pastor just asked me this question, and I can't find a definitive answer here on the Forum: Is it legal for a CHL holder to carry at a church service held at rented facilities in a school? Would the church need to have written authorization from the school to permit lawful carry?

VViper wrote:If this question has already been answered, could someone please point me to the link, but a pastor just asked me this question, and I can't find a definitive answer here on the Forum: Is it legal for a CHL holder to carry at a church service held at rented facilities in a school? Would the church need to have written authorization from the school to permit lawful carry?

Simple answer, no it is not legal. A school is always a school, even if you are leasing it for use as a church or any other function. You can carry on the grounds outside as long as a school function is not going on, but the buildings are off-limits period.

100% correct.

Thanks for the replies.

There is a qualifier at the end of 46.03 (1): “...unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution.”

If the church were to meet in a CHL-friendly part of the state, then could the school district authorize CHL carry during the church services?

...yes, they could, but wouldn't likely do so...and bringing it up at church as a possibility might get a notification from your church that you wouldn't want, too...still a lot of closed minds around...

speedsix wrote:...yes, they could, but wouldn't likely do so...and bringing it up at church as a possibility might get a notification from your church that you wouldn't want, too...still a lot of closed minds around...

Considering the question came from a Pastor of a church, I don't think it's a problem.

...maybe no, maybe so...it's one of those conversations better not to have...then if the winds change, you won't be notified...a pastor works for elders and deacons who may be anti-gun...and control church policy more than the pastor does...

In this particular church, that wouldn't be a problem. Very gun-friendly congregation, all the way around...

...that's good...I've been a member where the pastor and one elder knew and approved, but the elder who controlled the church's finances DISapproved...so the rest of us kept it our little secret for about 6 years...politics as usual...

speedsix wrote:...that's good...I've been a member where the pastor and one elder knew and approved, but the elder who controlled the church's finances DISapproved...so the rest of us kept it our little secret for about 6 years...politics as usual...

Surely you are not suggesting that "concealed is concealed" or "Loose Lips Sink Ships" or something like that? Say it ain't so.

...heard it from an old fat grey-haired guy hangin' round at the libarry...one dark night...

I realize some churches just starting out need to find cheap rental facialties. A church I attended rented a American Legion Post and every Sunday morning before services we had to clean up the empty beer cans. Hopefully thier finnances and attendance improves enough that they can move to a facility that is more sympathatic to carry. Stick with the church if you like it as they will not always be there. Eventualy we built our own building.

VViper wrote:Thanks for the replies.

There is a qualifier at the end of 46.03 (1): “...unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution.”

If the church were to meet in a CHL-friendly part of the state, then could the school district authorize CHL carry during the church services?

Doesn't that "the institution" refer to the educational institution specified earlier? The church couldn't give written authorization.

jordanmills wrote:

VViper wrote:Thanks for the replies.

There is a qualifier at the end of 46.03 (1): “...unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution.”

If the church were to meet in a CHL-friendly part of the state, then could the school district authorize CHL carry during the church services?

Doesn't that "the institution" refer to the educational institution specified earlier? The church couldn't give written authorization.

He was refering to the school having to give permission. The only school I know that has ever given permission to carry in buildings is the Harrold ISD. However, ya never know unless you ask. I would let the senior pastor make the request though. And, be aware that asking something like that COULD from an anti-school district COULD lead to being ousted from the school and not being allowed to use it period.