Catholic institutions in Georgia will ban firearms from their sanctuaries, schools and other institutions following Gov. Nathan Deal's approval of legislation that widely expands the state's gun laws.
Archbishop Wilton Gregory wrote in a column in the Georgia Bulletin that he will "officially restrict" the presence of weapons in Georgia's Catholic churches and religious institutions. Wrote Gregory:
The last thing we need is more firearms in public places, especially in those places frequented by children and the vulnerable. I do not want to suggest restricting firearms in places where they are needed, to protect one's home and property or to defend the public by officials who are entrusted with our protection. Yet this new legislation de facto makes firearms more available in places where they may allow violence to escalate.
It follows a directive issued Monday by Bishop Robert Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta that also banned firearms from Episcopal churches in middle and north Georgia. The only exception to that policy will be on-duty law enforcement officers.
The broad expansion of gun rights, signed into law last week, allows Georgians to legally carry firearms in places including schools, bars and government buildings. It also for the first time expressly permits licensed concealed-weapons holders to bring firearms into the state’s churches, provided that an individual place of worship allows it.
Bishop was among hundreds of religious leaders in Georgia who opposed the measure.
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