Pistol-Packing Preaching in Arkansas? Bill to Permit Guns in Church Passes House

A new bill allowing guns to be brought into church services recently passed in the Arkansas House of Representatives and is making its way to the Senate. Rep. Bryan King introduced the bill and the House passed it by a vote of 65 to 23, thus enforcing the idea that we now live in a more dangerous world.

There were those such as Rep. Efrem Elliott who voiced concern that they might be bringing the OK Corral into religious services, but overall, safety of the congregation won the day. In rebuttal, King assured everyone that anyone desiring to arm themselves would have to obtain permission from the pastor, as well as possess a carry permit according to the Arkansas News.

According to U.S. Carry website, to acquire a permit, residents of Arkansas must meet the following requirements:

Be a resident of Arkansas, a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age, receive a satisfactory approval from a firearms safety program within 6 months of submission of application, submit fingerprints and a fee to the Dept. of Public Safety and cannot be a person who is not allowed to possess a firearm, such as a "convicted felon, adjudicated mental incompetent, or illegal alien."

Currently, it is unlawful to bring a gun into a church in Arkansas, but several states already have such a law on the books. Now, if the Arkansas Senate passes the bill and the Governor signs it, the bill will take effect. It is understandable that citizens of rural Arkansas may be nervous because of prior incidents of shootings at churches. In such cases, having law enforcement respond can often take more than a few minutes. But now if this law passes, congregants may rest easier knowing if the bullets start flying, they can shoot back.

Sources:

U.S. Carry Website

Arkansas News