"Preaching In A Bullet-Proof Vest "
Rev. Peter E. Bauer
Many years ago, in my first parish, I preached a sermon one Sunday that focused upon the stewardship of the earth based upon the creation story in Genesis. I wanted to advocate that since God created the earth in its majesty, that the least we can do as occupants in to take good care of the planet.
At that time, across the river from my church and community, there was a large nuclear plant that was in operation. You couldn't miss the cooling tower and the trailing vapors. This was maybe two years after Three Mile Island. I remember, during the sermon, that I suggested that perhaps there should be a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear facilities until the issue of secure burial of nuclear waste be resolved. I also remember that after that sermon I didn't receive a lot of comments of praise. One of my main church leaders shook my hand and said " Pastor, I disagree with you. " I replied " That's fine and we can still love each other. "
Well, it's now over thirty-five years later, the issue of safe secure burial of spent nuclear fuel has not been resolved. Today, I'm not sure what the reception would be if someone preached a similar type of sermon. One of my former Associate Conference Ministers was fond of saying " Well Peter, you know you are doing good if they walk out on you. " There may have been some truth in that given the fact that when some parishioners feel challenged by what they are hearing in a sermon, they may choose to withdraw.
Now today, you wonder if some might react in a more aggressive and impulsive manner.
Which brings us to the new Open Carry Law ( Section 30.07 Penal Code Subchapter H Chapter 411 ) here in Texas. The law states that individuals are allowed to carry weapons openly unless the private property establishment forbids it. A sign can be placed in front of the entrance forbidding individuals to enter with weapons.
Churches here in Texas have responded in a variety of ways. A Catholic Diocese in Texas has declared that guns will not be permitted to be carried openly in church Catholic Diocese Rejects Texas' Open Carry Law ThinkProgress - However, the United Methodist Church in Texas has not taken a stand regarding the prohibition of weapons in church. According to a position statement by the Texas Conference,
" Believing that the open carry of handguns on church property is inconsistent with an atmosphere of prayer and worship, it is the recommendation of the Conference Chancellors that oral and/or written notice be given in accordance with the statute prohibiting the "Open Carry" of handguns in churches of the Conference. We make no recommendation regarding the prohibition of concealed handguns on church property and suggest that this be left up to individual congregations. It is our further recommendation that, in addition to whatever normal security churches provide during worship services and other activities occurring on church campuses, trained personnel, whether ushers or others, be designated as persons to assist in the event of a disturbance or an apparent violation of the notices the churches have posted with regard to the presence of guns on the property."
Somehow, I don't feel reassured with the thought of church ushers trying to tackle somebody down to the floor who might be wielding a gun in a sanctuary. Some churches have opted to install more security cameras on their property. Other congregations have hired security guards and other congregations are considering installing metal detectors.
A house of worship is supposed to be a place of peace, a place of sanctuary and refuge. The feeling of safety will potentially evaporate if congregants find themselves looking over their shoulder during worship to see if anyone is carrying a gun.
What might happen to the minister who preaches a sermon that is controversial ? Will they receive the same response I did so many years ago, " Pastor I disagree with you. " or will the response be physical ?
Sadly, there have been previous violent shootings at churches , i.e. Emmanuel AME church in Charleston, S.C. 2015, the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Knoxville, TN 2009. Both incidents resulted in the tragic deaths of several innocent people.
Maybe ministers need to consider wearing bullet- proof vests. They could even be in different colors depending upon the season in the liturgical year.
I empathize with people who feel the need to protect themselves. Yes, the world can be a dangerous place. I would hope and pray that there can be reason and flexibility when and where it is appropriate to have the presence of weapons.
May it be so.