Archbishop of Chicago Bans Firearms From All Church-Owned Properties

By Erika Haas

After much talk, Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, has finally issued a decree banning firearms from all churches, schools, and other properties across the archdiocese.

When Illinois legalized concealed carry in 2013, priests were allowed to choose whether or not their individual parishes would be gun free zones. But under Cupich’s decree, it’s no longer a choice.

The decree, which goes into effective on Thursday, September 14th, states that anyone found with a gun – including clergy and staff members – on archdiocese property will be promptly asked to leave. They will not be able to return until the firearm is no longer on their person.

Clergy members who live on the premises and legally own firearms for hunting or sports shooting can keeping firearms inside their homes. However, the gun must be unloaded and stored in a lockbox or safe.

“The intent of this policy is to balance the rights of all who approach Archdiocesan churches, schools or other facilities with the greatest possible protection for children, the elderly, and otherwise vulnerable people in our society,” Cupich told priests and parish staff in a memo, reports to the Chicago Tribune.

And it appears many Reverends are on board …Read the Rest

Source:: Bearing Arms