A pastor in the US state of Kentucky told his flock to bring handguns to church in what he said was 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 also held a handgun raffle, as well as providing information on gun safety. I wish more churches did this, I wish more people did this," the Louisville Courier-Journal quoted one attendee, Doreen Rogers, as saying. "For some reason, most people think that carrying guns is sinful. It's not. I think my life is worth protecting."
full story from the BBC
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 also held a handgun raffle, as well as providing information on gun safety. I wish more churches did this, I wish more people did this," the Louisville Courier-Journal quoted one attendee, Doreen Rogers, as saying. "For some reason, most people think that carrying guns is sinful. It's not. I think my life is worth protecting."
full story from the BBC
This is just plain bizarre.
Posted by: Erin | June 29, 2009 at 01:01 AM
I think it's a pretty good idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdqebiyQ2SA&feature=PlayList&p=9ED82E5D712152F9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1
It's a Saturday evening picnic.
Posted by: Leslie | June 29, 2009 at 06:59 PM
But is he going to bless the guns?
Posted by: David | June 30, 2009 at 02:23 PM
I once visited a church in Jerusalem and there was a young soldier there, enjoying the service, and with an automatic weapon slung on his shoulder. I was informed that he was one of the youth group leaders.
Posted by: Mike Somerville | July 02, 2009 at 08:09 AM