Such talk exasperates gun-control advocates, who say that firearms in a crowded environment such as a house of worship has the potential for disaster.
“I’ve got no problems with any institution, whether it’s a business or a church, hiring professional, trained security people who know the risks,” said Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “What I do have serious concerns about is the idea that a private individual, just because they’re a gun owner, can be a security guard just by carrying a gun to church.”
As for Mr. Pagano, Mr. Helmke said, “Maybe he should be more concerned about the Fifth Commandment than the Second Amendment.”
What some people don’t realize is that a pastor isn’t a “sanctified sheep,” Mr. Pagano said, but a shepherd, the protector of the flock. That includes the physical safety of the parishioners within the church building.
“People have this idea that Christians have to turn the other cheek,” Mr. Pagano said. “That’s true, but I don’t think there’s anything in the Old or New Testament that requires them to roll over and die if someone attacks them or their family.”
Valerie Richardson covers politics and the West from Denver. She can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
By Rand Paul
Obama acts as though we no longer have a Constitution
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
One man’s perspective. Exploration and commentary designed to challenge the conventional thinking of day on the political issues affecting our nation.
Abhishek Seth re-considers the power of PR, Issue Placement, the world at large, and the issues at hand.
First over-the-counter column approved for fast and effective relief from even your worst media-induced headache.
Benghazi: The anatomy of a scandal
13 Photos
Vietnam Memorial adds four names
18 Photos
Cinco de Mayo on the Mall
11 Photos
NRA kicks off annual convention
8 Photos
California wildfires wreak havoc
37 Photos
