St. Gregory the Great wants weapons
Last month in Kentucky, an Assemblies of God congregation drew international attention with its "open carry celebration," in which the pastor invited members of to come to bring their guns to church, that they might "celebrate our rights as Americans."
“God and guns were part of the foundation of this country,” the Rev. Ken Pagano told The New York Times.
Next month in Baltimore, a Catholic church will ask parishioners to bring weapons to church -- for a very different purpose. Responding to increased gun violence in the city, organizers say, St. Gregory the Great is sponsoring its seventh "Gun Turn-In Day" on Sept. 12.
Since the parish began its effort to get guns off the streets, organizers say, more than 100 have been turned in.
“The police have verified that in the past, some of these weapons that have been turned in have been very lethal,” Monsignor Damien G. Nalepa said in a statement. “We appeal to all the citizens of our city to help stop the violence and turn in guns.”
Co-sponsored by the Catholic Review, the event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church at 1542 N. Gilmor St. Organizers are offering $100 for each workable automatic or semi-automatic handgun or assault rifle, and $50 for any other workable gun turned in.
According to flyer being circulated for the event, no questions will be asked.Parish staff members and volunteers log the type of gun, and verify that it is unloaded and safe. At the close of the event, the guns are to be turned over to local law enforcement.
The Catholic Review is challenging the community to contribute to a fund so such gun buy-backs may be held more regularly. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: The Cathedral Foundation Inc., Attn.: Catholic Review Gun Buy-Back, P.O. Box 777, Baltimore, MD 21203.
More information is available by calling Nalepa at 410-523-0061.
Comments
What a great idea. All law abiding citizens can turn in their guns and then the only guns out there will belong to the criminals. Great then the police will only have to concern themselves with crimnals and all the law abbiding citizens will be safe. This workd so well in Germany before WWII. Hitler was so proud that all the guns were turned over to the government. Then no one had to worry about the guns because only the government had them. This was great for the Jews. Wonder why Isreal doesn't disarm? Wow after Katrina I should have felt safe in my home with no police presence. Like my brother in law did when a man came through the window and met a man inside with a gun. I wonder if He would still be alive today if he'd just turned his gun in. Criminals are criminals because they break the law. As soon as all the criminals turn in their guns and the government can be trusted (ask the indians) I'll be first in line to turn mine in. Oh I forgot I don't own any.
Posted by: jim horn | August 28, 2009 8:46 AM
Jim no one is forcing them to turn in guns so your comparison to pre WWII Germany are way over the top.
Posted by: ravensfan | August 28, 2009 10:38 AM
Jesus preached a Gospel of love, not hate. Jesus did not say, "Keep a sword by your side. You never know when a criminal is going to come in through the window." No. Jesus said "Those who live by the sword, die by the sword" and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Further, rifles and pistols are mighty different from semi-automatic and automatic weapons. Simple as that. May God's love and blessings extend to this church, this monsignor, and all of his parishioners.
Posted by: The Future Rev. Cody | August 28, 2009 10:56 PM