Dear Friends:
Some of you have asked about my position on House Bill 786, entitled the “Church Protection Act” and known by some as the “Guns in Church” bill. I have reviewed the bill and discussed it with our Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.
You may recall that we discussed the “concealed carry” law at Clergy Conference a few years ago. At that time, Bishop Gray made it clear that a decision whether to post church facilities as “no guns allowed” would be local option. If your parish chose to prohibit guns on your premises that was a choice you were free to make. Likewise, you were free to allow someone to carry a firearm, within the constraints of the law.
HB 786 has been approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. It extends the “Castle Doctrine”, providing individuals who are authorized to function as members of a church security force immunity from liability in the event of an armed confrontation in the congregation. Please note, though, that congregations are not provided the same level of immunity. There are strict requirements of how a security force within a church is selected and trained. There must also be explicit records of such a team and policy being in place. It is not permission for anyone who so desires to function as an armed guard of the church.
The policy of local option will remain in place, but you should understand the local congregation and the diocese are not granted full immunity by this law. If you choose to utilize the law’s provisions, please be very diligent in following and documenting the various steps required by the law. I would also ask that you notify me, as Bishop, in the event your Vestry chooses to exercise this law’s provisions.
Please let me know if you have questions.
Peace be with you,
+Brian
