The Anglican Church of North America’s Diocese of Fort Worth has banned worshippers from attending church packing pistols, so writes The Church of England Newspaper – a national weekly distributed tabloid based in Westminster. that means open holsters are banned but concealed weapons can be accepted.
However last year Texas Governor Greg Abbott, signed a bill allowing Texas over 900,000 licensed “concealed carry” gun owners to bring pistols and revolvers in plain view in belt or shoulder holsters beginning on 1 January but that was last year….
The new law covers private businesses and institutions. Still people can carry guns on clear view in government buildings, sporting venues, and restaurants and bars.
The diocesan statement on gun carry is thus:- “Beginning January 1, 2016, it will be legal in Texas for licensed individuals to carry concealed or unconcealed handguns. Businesses, churches, and other entitites have several options, including banning all handguns (including concealed weapons) or simply allowing open or concealed carriage.
It explained, “No one is permitted to bring an unconcealed handgun into the church, offices, classrooms etc at any time, including Sunday worship or weekday activities. Ushers and staff will need to be made aware of the signs and the diocesan policy.”