LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas - February 14, 2009 - A bill moving through the Arkansas state legislature would allow worshippers to bring concealed weapons into churches if the church has approved that as its policy. At present, holders of concealed weapons permits cannot bring guns into bars, schools, government facilities, athletic events, or houses of worship.

The controversial legislation, which passed the Arkansas House this week and is now pending before a Senate committee, was introduced by Rep. Beverly Pyle in response to several recent church shootings. However, its most active supporters insist that their primary concern is upholding the separation of church and state and that the state does not have the constitutional right to prevent churches from setting their own rules.

The bill's strongest opponents appear to be the pastors themselves. One minister, Ken Burton, suggested there were political motivations behind the legislation, telling the Baxter Bulletin that "he’s aware of staunch political affiliations between candidates for public office, elected officials and the National Rifle Association’s pro-gun platform."

Several ministers are concerned about the negative effect that concealed guns could have on the peace and tranquility of church services. Pastor Ron Rector suggested, "Some places still need to be sacred, and that is one place I hope would remain sacred."