JerryM

You might inquire and see what you find out. While I am not sure it applies to all SBC churches that is the norm. Even though the congregation pays for the facilities the SBC owns it. I suspect that it might be done to prevent some others from taking over.

I know of one SBC local church that called a pastor who happened to be charismatic. In time other charismatic folks joined the church until the true Baptist were in the minority. However, the pastor and others could not take over the church and withdraw from the SBC because the SBC owned the facility and property. The true Baptist members were able to keep the facilities and are building the church again. The majority moved on and established a charismatic church.

It may have something to do with most churches beginning as a mission from a larger SBC church, and so initially receive financing from the SBC and other churches.

Just for info check with your pastor and see what he says.
I am an independent Baptist, but know many SBC folks.

Regards,
Jerry

PM

It also depends upon the state. In Kansas due to a court ruling back in the 40's or 50's the State denominational system of the local church owns the building/proeperty. In some cases the that denominational system got the churches to put that the denominational systems owns the property.

Ridgeline

Jerry that may be true in your state, but I assure you that is not the case here in Texas. The trustees, deacons, pastor, etc controls the church including the property that it sets on. The SBC, SBOT, BGCT here in Texas do not own churchs (as a rule), I dont know of any for that matter. Our friends in other demonination I cant answer for 100%, but I know some do. As a minister, and staff member at a number of churches from 2,000 to almost 30,000 I do know this to be true.

As far as carry in the church ... here in Texas it is not a problem, but I would get a written ruling from the authorities in LA to be safe.

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Biloxi Bersa

I'm not a lawyer, but I think you're out of luck.

No church carry means no church carry.

My interpretation gives a "property owner, lessee or other lawful custodian" the right to carry in certain venues, but I believe the LSP and the AG win this round.

Sorry!

JerryM

Hi Ridgeline,

I am interested, and not from a point to see if I am right, but would like to know. My own understanding is that most or many SBC churches begin with financing from the SBC or other established SBC churches. I understood that the way it was set up was that although the local congregation does control the local church, that the SBC actually is the owner of the facility.

So are you sure that your church is not in that situation, or are you assuming that your local church is the owner? Again, I am just wanting to know. I never thought it was right for the congregation to make sacrifices to build and buy only to have the denomination own the property. Then if a local church wanted to withdraw from the denomination it had to give up the property.

I realize that in a way we are off topic, and maybe I should have gone PM with this, but since the subject is whether the local church has the right to establish who can carry I figured others are interested.

Mods feel free to do as you wish on this, and I will go PM, but do want to know the facts as near as can be determined. I also know it might vary with the particular local church depending upon how it was financed.

Regards,
Jerry

FuzzDawg

Since when is a preacher not a lawful custodian? I have a real hard time believing that you wouldn't qualify for that category. If nothing else, I would surely argue that at the least you are the lawful custodian during a sermon, since the congregation is there to hear God's message through you.

Smart carry?

JerryM

If a business could authorize employees to carry while in that business, and I do not know if that is so in LA, it would follow that a pastor or church leadership could also authorize carrying when in the church.
I do not see how the state can dictate how the church is going to operate. Of course even if a legal challenge would be in favor of the church it would be costly.

Regards,
Jerry

preachertim

Talked to my Local Rep here just a few minutes ago about my situation of being able to carry in Church. Note The Law states that it is a flat out no. Well Anyway there was recently a bill that was passed concerning the workplace and carrying a Gun ( I think he said bill 51 ).Well since that bill was passed and that is my workplace and I keep it someplace secure I will be alright. This came by way of the Attorney Generals office through my State Rep. By the way This state rep is great and I will definetly support him when elections roll around

FuzzDawg

That's great news!! I'm glad to hear that it worked out for you!

Bob The Great

I wouldn't put a lot of faith in that defense. Here's the text of the law you're talking about.

http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdat...asp?did=504213

First, it only applies to storing a firearm in your vehicle while on company property, not concealed carry. Second, it only forbids employers from prohibiting guns, not the state government. And the clincher, if you read subsection D.1, it specifically says that this law does not apply anywhere firearms are prohibited by state or federal law. So, churches are still out, even if you're an employee.

By all means, support your pro-gun rep, but he's wrong on this count. But maybe you can get him to sponsor a CCW reform bill removing the carry prohibition.

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