In the wake of the recent tragedy where one ward member entered an LDS meetinghouse and murdered another, many members have asked questions about the Church’s policy on firearms.
The official handbook of the Church states:
Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world. The carrying of lethal weapons, concealed or otherwise, within their walls is inappropriate except as required by officers of the law.
This policy applies to all meetinghouses around the world.
In 2004, the Church also worked to ban guns in meetinghouses, temples, and other Church facilities in Utah under the law. According to the law, the Church may ban guns from their legally owned property, even if someone owns a concealed carry permit, as long as they give public notice. The Church has done so in Utah since 2004.
Those found in violation of the ban can be punished by a fine of up to $750. Currently, this is only applicable in the state of Utah.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
