Steeler-gal
Regular Member
I understand that the law in VA doesn't prohibit from OCing in Church. I'm curious to know how many of you OC in church. I haven't yet. I have been looking around and don't see anyone in my church OCing. Do you OC?
Or if there happens to be an anti-gun cop in attendance with you at the same time...That's not a blanket prohibition, it's a conditional prohibition.
"Good and sufficient reason" being subjective (as you imply) does not mean that the AG's opinion is flawed or invalid, only that you should probably consider the character of your congregation and your pastor, perhaps going as far as attending a meeting of the elders/vestry and asking their opinion of the practice.
Because the only way you're going to get nicked for it is if someone calls the cops on you.
In uniform? On duty? In CHURCH?!?!Or if there happens to be an anti-gun cop in attendance with you at the same time...
In uniform? On duty? In CHURCH?!?!
Unlikely. :lol:
Funeral?I can think of a number of times where someone may be on duty in uniform in church. Some I have even done myself.
Virginia law does prohibit it.
§ 18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.
If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Now, the AG has opined that self defense is a "good and sufficient reason", but again, that is only his opinion (which does carry some weight). I would think a judge would follow along, but......
SNIP That being said, it is may opinion, as well as the opinion of at least a few others on this forum, that OC might distract people from the service, and it would therefore be best to CC, if possible. Some might say that this is "giving in" to people who are uncomfortable around guns, but, when it comes to being at church on Sunday morning, I see it as being willing to respect others, so that we can all focus on what it is that we are there for in the first place.
Funeral?
And let's not forget that the "prohibition" is specifically confined to during worship service, not for ancillary uses of the property and/or building.
I believe you are giving a MUCH broader meaning to "religious" purposes (read: worship) than was intended... HOWEVER, I would not put it past LE nor the courts to interpret at will and place the burden on the citizen.No, the prohibition applies to a time when a meeting for religious purposes is taking place.
Confession
Choir practice
Pastor/deacons discussing an upcoming service
I believe you are giving a MUCH broader meaning to "religious" purposes (read: worship) than was intended... HOWEVER, I would not put it past LE nor the courts to interpret at will and place the burden on the citizen.
Virginia law does prohibit it.
§ 18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.
If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
.
Oh, wow. I stand corrected. Thanks!
No wonder I don't see anyone CCing.