Prior to the amendment, churches could merely state their gun-ban policies in posted signage.

Recent news reports said that none of Utah's churches or religious groups, including the state's predominant faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had registered with BCI. Webster had previously said the Episcopal Diocese intended to register, but following the news stories, a discussion among the denomination's leadership brought forward the consensus opinion that the church was protected from having to do so by the Constitution, which separates church and state. That in turn led to dialogue with other religious leaders and the decision to issue the joint statement, Webster said.

Webster said he did not know if the initial failure of various churches to register with BCI had been a conscious decision or simply an oversight. Nor did he know if churches or religious organizations planned to ask legislators to consider repealing the amendment during the 2004 legislative session.

However, a check of the BCI Web site by the Deseret Morning News shows that three churches now have registered with the state, including St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City. Also registered are Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Park City and the Summum Church in Salt Lake City.

The Rev. Caryl Marsh of St. Paul's said she registered with the church in early December only after reading news reports that reminded her of the state law.

"Had I thought about the Constitution, I wouldn't have done it," Marsh said.

As of Sept. 31, Utah had more than 51,000 concealed-weapons permit holders, according to data from BCI. And according to a story by the Associated Press, some 28,500 gun purchases have been made in the state this year and 4,103 persons have been issued concealed-weapons permits. BCI data show that over the past five years, fewer firearm purchases were made but more people had sought permits to carry those weapons in secret.

Area churches have long been at odds with the Legislature when it comes to gun laws. Church leaders have been active in Safe to Learn, Safe to Worship, a grass-roots organization that has twice unsuccessfully tried to get an initiative on the ballot to ban weapons from the state's schools and church grounds. Their efforts have failed largely due to lack of financial support.

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Contributing: Brady Snyder

E-mail: jdobner@desnews.com