Church shootings /nervous in church

[Anonymous]

In the last year we've had two incidences of probably mentally ill people coming in mid-service and being disruptive. I get that churches have to have an open door policy -- they're there for everyone -- but between that and all the church shootings over the last few years, I just feel nervous in church. Does anyone else feel the same? Is there anything churches can/should do about this?

[Anonymous]

They could help people get real mental health care instead of telling them to pray?

[Anonymous]

I just saw the police department in my little rural hometown is offering churches free active shooter training and will review their safety & emergency plans with them.

But really, there are around 380,000 congregations in the United States. While it is emotionally very unnerving to think about a "safe place" (just like a school, too) being targeted, it realistically is a very low risk.

[Anonymous]

When my ILs church in Florida supposedly received threats they responded by encouraging the congregants to bring their weapons to mass. I'm not kidding. God bless America I guess. SMFH.

[Anonymous]

What state are you in? If you live in an open carry state like Texas or Virginia, there is a good chance that someone might save you if they are packing. The neighbor in Texas saved a lot of people and is a hero (even CNN calls him that). You can't tell but my husband always packs wherever he goes in Virginia - even in church. Can't do that in Maryland because there's no reciprocity. Can't do it in DC because laws are so stringent (but changing).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When my ILs church in Florida supposedly received threats they responded by encouraging the congregants to bring their weapons to mass. I'm not kidding. God bless America I guess. SMFH.

An armed private citizen shot the murderer in Texas yesterday, apparently chasing him out of the church where he then took off and then killed himself. Obviously the level of devastation was still unthinkable, but there's nothing wrong with people who have CHLs carrying.

[Anonymous]

Or alternatively more people will be killed when wannabe heroes start firing and people are panicking and running all over - most people who open or conceal carry have no training in shooting under pressure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or alternatively more people will be killed when wannabe heroes start firing and people are panicking and running all over - most people who open or conceal carry have no training in shooting under pressure.

Interestingly, I can't think of any shootings or attacks where this has happened. I agree with you it's logical, but it doesn't seem to happen.

[Anonymous]

most churches have a police security

[Anonymous]

We’re all just sitting ducks. This kind of thing can happen anytime, anywhere. There is nothing to be done. It’s the reality of our current interpretation of the second amendment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or alternatively more people will be killed when wannabe heroes start firing and people are panicking and running all over - most people who open or conceal carry have no training in shooting under pressure.

Not if they have gone to a good instructor or the NRA range.

[Anonymous]

Neither of the heroes in the Texas shootings had any military training. I would rather have them sitting next to me in a pew than be a sitting duck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Neither of the heroes in the Texas shootings had any military training. I would rather have them sitting next to me in a pew than be a sitting duck.

No kidding, considering at least some of the mass shooters had military backgrounds (Texas yesterday and then the shooter on the base several years back).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:most churches have a police security

Where do you live?!!!

[Anonymous]

You all should pray anyway. It will help you cope with the fact that your elected officials are bull-headed racists who think that white men need guns to protect themselves from black and brown people.

SMH