Gun debate misunderstood

Too many people are missing the point when it comes to firearms in churches. The problem isn't the people bringing firearms into churches as much as it is the motivation behind doing so. Men and women across this state and nation fear being victimized by crime enough to submit to a background check, give their fingerprints to the local police department and FBI, pay a fee for a concealed carry permit, and then have the right to carry that weapon for their self-defense should the need arise. Granted, no such need should arise in any worship service.

The problem is how you define that person's responsibility in regards to that firearm. Should he/she leave the firearm locked up in the car alone or in some kind of lockbox? How is that person going to transfer that firearm to a lockbox in the trunk of the car without "advertising" what he is doing? The reality of the situation isn't that people are taking their legally concealed weapons to church because of a problem at church they believe needs to be fixed by killing someone; men and women carry their firearms with them into church because they are more concerned about their safety in their travel to church and want to be responsible about knowing exactly where that firearm is while they attend church.

Brian E Kamerath

Taylorsville