The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided to prohibit firearms in its houses of worship. Religion Specialist Carole Mikita joins us to explain the new church policy.
The Church says it will now prohibit firearms in its houses of worship. The church has mailed a letter to its local leaders in Utah informing them that it plans to invoke Utah law and refuse to allow guns in temples, meetinghouses, the Assembly Hall, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and the Conference Center.
Today's announcement puts into action a First Presidency position from 1996, that lethal weapons, concealed or otherwise, do not belong in houses of worship. The church will sign a controversial registry to formally make it's position known with the State Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The letter reads in part:
"Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world. The carrying of lethal weapons, concealed or otherwise, within their walls is inappropriate except as required by law."
"Persons who refuse to take their firearms from the house of worship or repeatedly ingore the Church's prohibition should be referred to local law enforcement officers for possible criminal prosecution."
Last month, a coalition of church leaders gathered to announce they will prohibit firearms in their places of worshiop, but will NOT register with the state. They say registration law mixes church and state, a violation of the first amendment. They believe a sign on the door of a church should be sufficient. The amendment's sponsor says today's announcement will make it harder for those who do not want to register.
Sen. Michael Waddoups/(R) Senate Majority Leader: "NOW THAT THE ONE WITH THE GREATEST NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN THE STATE IS DOING IT THE WAY THE STATE LAW STIPULATES, IT WILL BE HARD FOR SOME OF THE SMALLER ONES TO SAY 'WELL, WE'RE GOING TO DO IT OUR WAY AND WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO IT IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW."
The Church of Jesus Christ plans to invoke the law and give public notice in the newspapers, as required by Utah law.