Do you carry while attending Church?

[StuckInIllinois]

After a 40 some year hiatus I’m headed back to Church. Thanks to this awesome forum I’m aware of the legal aspects of doing so, but I’m curious to see if this is a common practice among legal concealed carriers. 
 

As a kid I’d never think anyone would carry a weapon during Church, but sadly this isn’t that world. And I have zero issue with doing so on a religious level, but that is probably not a discussion needed here. 
 

Thanks for any thoughts on this. 

[Tip]

I carry everywhere it is legal to do so.

You do you.

 

[bmyers]

We have multiple people that carry at our church. We also have had events, were groups of people from the church have went to shooting ranges and spent the day shooting together. In addition, our church has hosted three carry conceal classes over the years. 

 

Plus, when the law was new, we had the State's Attorney come speak to whomever wanted to attend so they would be familiar with the new law.

 

 

Edited November 3, 2025 at 04:33 PM by bmyers

[Jeffrey]

Absolutely.  I also pick the pew that faces all the entries. 

[John Q Public]

Thinking about joining the local TP and offering my services and training for a security detail. If any church needs it, move them to the top of the list. 

[SiliconSorcerer]

On 11/3/2025 at 1:03 PM, John Q Public said:

Thinking about joining the local TP and offering my services and training for a security detail. If any church needs it, move them to the top of the list. 

I don't know what the TP stands for but most churches will only support police carrying while others that participate are not endorsed but not discouraged. 

I know a church that has 30 people on their list with electronic equipment and all. 

I "open" the church (it's always open) open means I clean the problems out and turn on the lights and there have been problems. 

I carry and wear a bullet proof vest or the appropriate weather bullet proof coat.

The priest asked me if I carry I said oh no does it show, he said no but good.  I said anything just be behind me. 

Am I alone, likely, 7:30 is generally the old people mass. :0 

 

 

[Jeffrey]

Considering a large part of the reason we have carry today, Mary Shepard, it should be mandatory.

 

ETA:  Anyone here unfamiliar with her story, you better google it.

Edited November 3, 2025 at 08:23 PM by Jeffrey

[John Q Public]

On 11/3/2025 at 1:50 PM, SiliconSorcerer said:

I don't know what the TP stands for but most churches will only support police carrying while others that participate are not endorsed but not discouraged. 

I know a church that has 30 people on their list with electronic equipment and all. 

I "open" the church (it's always open) open means I clean the problems out and turn on the lights and there have been problems. 

I carry and wear a bullet proof vest or the appropriate weather bullet proof coat.

The priest asked me if I carry I said oh no does it show, he said no but good.  I said anything just be behind me. 

Am I alone, likely, 7:30 is generally the old people mass. :0 

 

 

I'll get back to this one later, but I'll start with.... bulletproof... It's wrong and puerile, it doesn't exist. The next thing is, most churches can't afford cops/retired cops. If you actually look into security when it comes to the average church, it is made of the membership.  If you do not know what TP is, I suggest a search, and a little respect, for what I say.   ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2025 at 11:54 PM by mauserme
A family friendly event just took place.

[mauserme]

Sheesh, guys, I feel like a code talker here.

 

BTW, I did remove some of the "code" just to keep things a little more brotherly.  We are talking about church and all.

 

 

[mikew]

On 11/3/2025 at 5:56 PM, mauserme said:

Sheesh, guys, I feel like a code talker here.

 

BTW, I did remove some of the "code" just to keep things a little more brotherly.  We are talking about church and all.

 

 

You beat me to it.
And I don't know what a TP is either.

 

[rmart]

TP - Turning Point

[ragsbo]

I carry and so does our Preacher. I think at least 2 more do too. We are a small church, average 50 on Sunday mornings.  Strictly volunteer. I am sure most of the folks know I carry since we all know each other so well. There are a couple of elderly ladies who give me a hug every time they see me and "accidentally" feel the pistol on my belt. Then they just smile so sweetly at me. 

 

The advice I can give is to check on your local laws etc. Here anyone can carry conceal with a license, and the only way to stop them would be post the church as an off limits. There could be local restrictions on "private security" and that could include "armed" too. Some churches are dead set against any kind of security because "God will protect us". Take is slow and easy, don't show your cards until you know a lot more about that particular church.  

 

Just remember that going to church is to worship and not just a job. You can get to deep into the job and forget the worship part.

[TomKoz]

On 11/3/2025 at 10:32 AM, bmyers said:

We have multiple people that carry at our church. We also have had events, were groups of people from the church have went to shooting ranges and spent the day shooting together. In addition, our church has hosted three carry conceal classes over the years. 

 

Plus, when the law was new, we had the State's Attorney come speak to whomever wanted to attend so they would be familiar with the new law.

 

 

The congregation that shoots together, prays together.

[RECarry]

As a worship team member, I have a good view of doorways, but being on camera limits carrying. So, my backpack is close at hand. 

Camera operators can view many angles, and members patrol the grounds continuously. One church's worship leader was an ex-SWAT officer who created a low-key security team of members and also counseled other churches. Another church has security with CCL's wearing FBI-style earpieces. 

 

But when our former church hired a new Pastor, I tested him with talk about a recent good-guy-with-gun event. His immediate response was "So, you would shoot a 16 year old?"

In other words, he's OK with passively sacrificing the lives of members who may not want to die a painful death. Good to know.

 

[Quiet Observer]

I carried in church when I lived in Illinois, and I carry in church in Indiana now. 

I am not part of any security team. 

[Jeffrey]

On 11/3/2025 at 6:33 PM, rmart said:

TP - Turning Point

Thank you.  All I kept thinking was toilet paper.

[Jeffrey]

On 11/3/2025 at 7:41 PM, RECarry said:

 

 

But when our former church hired a new Pastor, I tested him with talk about a recent good-guy-with-gun event. His immediate response was "So, you would shoot a 16 year old?"

In other words, he's OK with passively sacrificing the lives of members who may not want to die a painful death. Good to know.

 

A few years ago one of our Priests used his Gospel time to talk about how guns are bad.  I couldn't believe it.  After mass I tried to talk to him about it.  When I asked him about the story of Cane and Abel he stormed off immediately after saying we need to pray for someone.  I was a bit surprised he didn't stay to finish the conversation with me.  I try not to be too judgmental but I can't help but think every time we see each other he pretends to not see me.

[SiliconSorcerer]

On 11/3/2025 at 2:43 PM, John Q Public said:

I'll get back to this one later, but I'll start with.... bulletproof... It's wrong and puerile, it doesn't exist. The next thing is, most churches can't afford cops/retired cops. If you actually look into security when it comes to the average church, it is made of the membership.  If you do not know what TP is, I suggest a search, and a little respect, for what I say.   ....

 

Well I've been shot before with one on, broken ribs and no hole, I know it's not much good against a rifle. 

The church with 30 is all volunteer, as is every church I know, they however did provide the communications equipment.

I guess I'm not the only one that didn't recognize TP in a discussion about church protection. 

 

[StuckInIllinois]

Thanks for the replies folks. Have three area Churches that I plan to visit in the next month. 

 

[Quiet Observer]

On 11/4/2025 at 10:13 AM, StuckInIllinois said:

Thanks for the replies folks. Have three area Churches that I plan to visit in the next month. 

 

You might consider checking their websites or talking with a trusted member of the church to see if any have a no-guns policy. Some churches do; others do not. Denomination is not necessarily a factor. My parish had no such policy over there. One of the priests even knew I carried at Mass. I might have ignored a few no-guns signs when visiting other parishes. Follow your own conscience. Concealed means concealed.

[RECarry]

On 11/4/2025 at 8:13 AM, Jeffrey said:

A few years ago one of our Priests used his Gospel time to talk about how guns are bad.  I couldn't believe it.  After mass I tried to talk to him about it.  When I asked him about the story of Cane and Abel he stormed off immediately after saying we need to pray for someone.  I was a bit surprised he didn't stay to finish the conversation with me.  I try not to be too judgmental but I can't help but think every time we see each other he pretends to not see me.

 

Historically, priests are not known for creating safe spaces, are they?

[TomKoz]

Self defense is not a sin.

Prove me wrong.

[ragsbo]

On 11/4/2025 at 11:13 PM, TomKoz said:

Self defense is not a sin.

Prove me wrong.

You are correct! 

[Jeffrey]

On 11/4/2025 at 8:52 PM, RECarry said:

 

Historically, priests are not known for creating safe spaces, are they?

I've never been or felt unsafe while in their presence.  What are you trying to imply?

[AlphaKoncepts aka CGS]

If I am sober, I am carrying. Why would you not?

Churches are attacked frequently throughout history, and it's nothing new. I have students who choose to ONLY carry in their place of worship. While I disagree with this opinion, it's their opinion to make, and I share it to point out how important it is to not let our guard down while we worship.  

[hgcrane]

Carry at church?  Absolutely!  I was a part of a worship team at one church here in Illinois.  I showed up one Sunday to find no gun zone signs posted on every entrance of the building.  I turned around and left.  Haven't been in that building since.

[RECarry]

On 11/5/2025 at 8:11 AM, Jeffrey said:

I've never been or felt unsafe while in their presence.  What are you trying to imply?

 

Have all the abuse cases been settled?

[Quiet Observer]

On 11/4/2025 at 8:52 PM, RECarry said:

 

Historically, priests are not known for creating safe spaces, are they?

Historically, the list is far greater.

"What are characteristics of people who sexually abuse children?
Males, females, and others across the gender spectrum may sexually abuse children. They can include fathers, mothers, step-parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, and cousins. They can be neighbors, babysitters, religious leaders, teachers, and coaches. They come from all different social classes, races, religions, and sexual orientations. From what we know, most of those who sexually abuse children are males, but many are females, too. We also know a little bit about what causes child sexual abuse. Some people who sexually abuse children have adult sexual relationships and are not only sexually attracted to children." 

Is it possible to profile a "child sex predator"? | Stop It Now 

 

What does your remark have to do with carrying in a church of any denomination, or at grandma's, the park, or Uncle Frank's?

[StuckInIllinois]

No need to take this discussion off the rails.
 

Thanks to all that offered insight and advice. 

[Smallbore]

This topic did go a direction that frustrate gun owners. We know it is unfair to label all responsible law abiding gun owner bad people because of the criminal element in our society. All professions and organization have bad people. I will be so bold to suggest that there must be good people in the anti 2A progressive democrat party. 😇