Arkansan pastors differ on church carry

Another article on the bill that would allow lawful concealed carry in Arkansas churches:

“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition” could take on new meaning if a measure passed this week in the Arkansas House gains Senate approval and Gov. Mike Beebe’s signature. House Bill 1237 would allow people licensed to carry concealed handguns to carry them in church and on church property.

The possibility of armed members in the congregation received a mixed reaction among some Twin Lakes Area ministers.

Dave Gadbaw, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mountain Home, said he thinks the proposed bill is “not a bad idea” in light of church shootings across the country.

“I find the idea of carrying a handgun to church very disturbing,” said Pastor Ron Rector of First Christian Church of Mountain Home.
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Pyle’s proposal does allow churches to continue prohibiting the carrying of firearms on their property. Originally, a church would have been required to post a sign banning guns, but an amendment to the bill gives churches more leeway in how they notify their congregations guns are prohibited without having to post a sign.

According to Pyle, about 20 other states have laws letting churches decide if concealed guns are permitted on their property.
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Currently, HB 1237 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. [Governor] Beebe has said he would sign the bill if it comes to his desk. [emphasis added]

Article here.