SHREWSBURY, MO (KMOX) - Local faith leaders condemn a plan before the Missouri legislature that would allow guns in houses of worship.
A group of a dozen clergy from different denominations spoke at an event organized by the Archdiocese, denouncing Missouri House Bill 944.
"Please keep our places of worship free from these tools of violence," said Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski.
Related
Rozanski spoke of the need for parishes to have security plans, but says letting people in the pews bring their own guns to church is not the answer.
"Just think of the scenario if a gunmen does come in, and there are other people with guns firing across the benches, the seats of our congregations , how many more would be hit by gunfire?" Rozanski said.
The Reverend Linden Bowie of the Missionary Baptist Church warned the Missouri legislature that it was going too far.
"Woe unto them who make unjust laws," Bowie said, quoting the prophet Isaiah .
The Reverend Traci Blackmon of the United Church of Christ calls the idea of guns in churches a "legislative overreach."
"Whether or not congregations allow legal weapons on their premises is a decision congregations alone should make," Blackmon said.
Dr. James Croft of the Ethical Society of St. Louis says the law would give churches less say-so on guns on their property than amusement parks have.
"Now, I like Six Flags as much as anybody else," Croft said, "but if you can't take a gun on Superman the ride, you should not be able to bring it into the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis or the Ethical Society of St. Louis."
Rabbi Amy Feder with Temple Israel says her congregation now hires an armed police officer to provide security, and has staff training drills on what to do if there were ever an active shooter.
The bill before the Missouri legislature has passed the House and is headed to the Senate.
The faith leaders plan to lobby lawmakers next week in Jefferson City and hope to meet with the governor to express their opposition.
If the lobbying fails and the bill becomes law, Rozanski says a legal challenge is possible.
© 2021 KMOX (Audacy). All rights reserved
LISTEN on the Audacy App Follow KMOX Facebook | Twitter | Instagram