JerryM

Hi all,

We have several times discussed CCW in church. It has been normally in the context of whether the church leadership has the right to limit it, or if there is grave danger in the church.

I would like to explore the question of whether it is a good idea to allow unlimited CCW as long as one has a license.
Here are some thoughts.

1. A church, during the regular services, is relatively crowded.
2. The average CHL holder is not an especially good shot, and has not had the experience of having to make decisions re using deadly force.
3 There may be dangers to others if a shot is missed or a bullet penetrated completely through.
4. We do not want the CHL holder to do more damage than the BG.


Before we moved into our new building we rented a store front. The main entrance would place anyone who entered directly in front of a SS class of children.
If one were to shoot someone as he entered (assuming it was obviously necessary) he would have to take into account the class directly behind the target. It would require movement to move out of the direct line with the children, and to kneel to increase the chances that the shot that missed or penetrated through offered the minimum chance of hurting the children.

Obviously, it is much better to stop the threat before he enters the building or the sanctuary. That cannot be depended upon however, and the BG may get into the service, and attempt to harm or kill someone in the service.
There would be mayhem in all probability, but it could be that men in the immediate vicinity could overpower the BG without shooting.

So with such scenarios in mind, would you really want just anyone with a license to carry and maybe cause more harm than the BG if he was unwise or unskilled? I would not.

My own thinking is that if I were in a position of authority I would want to have someone who I knew was capable and could act wisely.
Before I would approve carrying by any individual I would want him to go through some sort of orientation and a test of skill. I would want to be satisfied he/she was a mature individual and would not see himself as a knight in shining armor or an off duty LEO.

I know that there are other aspects of a plan, but I would like to limit this thread to the question of who would you want to be carrying in a crowded place where your wife or children were at the time.

Regards,
Jerry