Church Carry

[rldeanjr]

Thanks again for the advice. I have learned much reading the posts. My application is in currently being processed and as soon as I have the plastic it will be utilized.

I empathize with the deacon concerned with the one man on his board who is raising objections. I have a board where all but the board chairman have CHLs and he is concerned simply because the liability insurance does not cover them. My argument is first, that we are accountable to God, not insurance companies for the safety of the congregation, and second, that there have been zero liability cases in Texas (probably elsewhere as well) involving someone with a CHL using a firearm in church.

The entire issue of Church security, CHL carry, and training ushers for security is one that is not discussed much in church literature or pastor conferences, but I have discovered that this is addressed by many churches, but usually they keep quiet about it.

Does anyone know how to go about finding out more information on this?

Robert

[Keith B]

Thanks again for the advice. I have learned much reading the posts. My application is in currently being processed and as soon as I have the plastic it will be utilized.

I empathize with the deacon concerned with the one man on his board who is raising objections. I have a board where all but the board chairman have CHLs and he is concerned simply because the liability insurance does not cover them. My argument is first, that we are accountable to God, not insurance companies for the safety of the congregation, and second, that there have been zero liability cases in Texas (probably elsewhere as well) involving someone with a CHL using a firearm in church.

The entire issue of Church security, CHL carry, and training ushers for security is one that is not discussed much in church literature or pastor conferences, but I have discovered that this is addressed by many churches, but usually they keep quiet about it.

Does anyone know how to go about finding out more information on this?

Robert

IANALOIA (I Am Not A Lawyer Or Insurance Agent) but my personal opinion is that the Church should have no formal opinion. In other words, the board and administration at a church should not be pro or con CHL carry. If you leave it as a personal choice of members with no input one way or the other from the Church, then they are acting as individuals. This should keep the Church from being liable for them supporting (or not supporting) CHL's if they ever have an incident.

Also, the Castle Doctrine in Texas has a clause which protects individuals from liability claims if it was a justifiable shooting. The Castle Doctrine does not just apply to home, but anywhere you are legally allowed to be with your handgun. You might find a lawyer that would take a civil liability case after a church shooting, but if it was a self defense or defense of others shoot, then IMO any lawyer would be foolish to try and tackle it due to the Castle Doctrine.