Popular Church Takes Anti-Gun Stance
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: February 17, 2013
Taking a firm stand against a newly passed law allowing concealed carry in places of worship.
There was a largely positive response from the congregation. Many told KARK they are proud of their congregation's position.
"We've adopted an official position so it's clear where St. Marks stands," said Senior Pastor Phillip Pointer. "After much discussion and prayer the board of elders has unanimously decided to ban all concealed weapons on our property," he added.
The announcement was met with loud applause. Parishioners like Kalean Geen said she aligns herself with their decision.
"This is a house of God," Green said. "We come here to worship and get our praise on and I just don't think guns are worth it."
Looking around at all the tiny hands that are joined together in prayer, Green said there's just no room for dangerous weapons.
Qristoffer Young is a part of the youth choir for the church.
"I'm fully in support of Pastor Pointer," he said. "Clearly it's not a place for individuals of faith to bear arms."
"Our church will continue to use trained security personnel," said Pastor Pointer.
Young echoed his pastor's position and added that dealing with a situation of life and death should be left to the trained professionals who have a quiet presence in the church.
"In my opinion it's really their job," he said. "To carry out any issues as it relates to firearms that may take place here at the church."
Leaving the policing, to the police, and the praising to the worshippers.
The author of the bill, Senator Bryan King, said they won't be keeping track of every church's decision.
St. Marks will be posting notifications of their policy on all their doors.
There was a largely positive response from the congregation. Many told KARK they are proud of their congregation's position.
"We've adopted an official position so it's clear where St. Marks stands," said Senior Pastor Phillip Pointer. "After much discussion and prayer the board of elders has unanimously decided to ban all concealed weapons on our property," he added.
The announcement was met with loud applause. Parishioners like Kalean Geen said she aligns herself with their decision.
"This is a house of God," Green said. "We come here to worship and get our praise on and I just don't think guns are worth it."
Looking around at all the tiny hands that are joined together in prayer, Green said there's just no room for dangerous weapons.
Qristoffer Young is a part of the youth choir for the church.
"I'm fully in support of Pastor Pointer," he said. "Clearly it's not a place for individuals of faith to bear arms."
"Our church will continue to use trained security personnel," said Pastor Pointer.
Young echoed his pastor's position and added that dealing with a situation of life and death should be left to the trained professionals who have a quiet presence in the church.
"In my opinion it's really their job," he said. "To carry out any issues as it relates to firearms that may take place here at the church."
Leaving the policing, to the police, and the praising to the worshippers.
The author of the bill, Senator Bryan King, said they won't be keeping track of every church's decision.
St. Marks will be posting notifications of their policy on all their doors.
