[gun-fucious]

Gun Control

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a thirty year history of support for gun control legislation. Beginning in the late 1960's, in response to the assassinations of public leaders, the General Assembly called for ". . . control [of] the sale and possession of fire arms of all kinds."1 In 1976, this statement was re-affirmed, but also specifically worded to ". . .not cover shotguns and rifles used legitimately by sportsmen. . .".2 In 1988, these and other statements supporting gun control were again reaffirmed.


A fuller statement was approved in 1990. In it, the General Assembly went on record as:
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Support[ing] gun control at federal, state, and local levels as the most effective response to the present crisis of gun violence. . .

Call[ing] upon the United States government to establish meaningful and effective federal legislation to regulate the importation, manufacture, sale, and possession of guns and ammunition by the general public. Such legislation should include provisions for the registration and licensing of gun purchasers and owners, appropriate background investigations and waiting periods prior to gun purchase, and regulation of subsequent sale.

Urg[ing] the enactment of similar state and local laws, should such federal legislation be delayed.

Call[ing] upon government agencies at all levels to provide significant assistance to victims of gun violence and their families.3

In 1998, the General Assembly added to its policy by calling on all Presbyterians to:


intentionally work toward removing handguns and assault weapons from our homes and our communities; and

seek ways to develop community strategies and create sanctuaries of safety for our children, so that all of our children may come to identify and value themselves and others as the precious children of the family of God that they are, and that they may come to learn peace for their lives and peace for this generation.4


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Endnotes:

1. Minutes of the 116th General Assembly (1976), Presbyterian Church in the United States, p. 103.

2. Minutes of the 128th General Assembly (1988), Presbyterian Church in the United States, p. 209.

3. Minutes of the 202nd General Assembly (1990), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), pp. 605-606.

4. Commissioners’ Resolution 98-19, 210th General Assembly (1998), Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-gun.htm

more research:
http://www.google.com/search?as_q=gun&num=10&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=pcusa.org&safe=off

[MeekandMild]

Yup. And PCUSA has nearly ceased to exist. I used to belong and dropped out in the early 70's when they started preaching marxism. I keep up with some members still and their average age seems to be well into the geriatric range.

OTOH the First Presleyterian Church (http://www.geocities.com/presleyterian_church/home.html) really rocks.

[EWTHeckman]

By and large, the Presbyterian denomination now largely ignores the Bible. Why should they act any differently about ignoring what the Bible teaches about self defense? :fire:

[Redlg155]

That's why I like being an Independent Baptist.

I've already got some fellow members wanting help from me to build AR15s. :D

Good Shooting
Red

[Vic303]

By and large, the Presbyterian denomination now largely ignores the Bible. Why should they act any differently about ignoring what the Bible teaches about self defense?

What?? Not so in the RPCNA nor in the PCA! Better clarify WHAT Presbyterian denomination you are referring to before you go making blanket statements like above. Mind you, PCA is NOT PCUSA, and RPCNA is even more conservative--essentially sola scriptura.

Now as I understand it, PCUSA exceptionally liberal.

[Mike Irwin]

Try being United Methodist.

We helped found Handgun Control, Inc.

The only saving grace for me is that I was a member of a church that was largely Evangelical United Brethren, which in 1968 merged with the Methodists to form the UM. I can fall back on my roots.

[Preacherman]

Folks, this has the potential to turn into a "my church is better/worse than your church" funfest. For that reason, I'm closing it now, so as to avoid the rush later! :D