I didnt mean to come of as niaeve or ignorant; I see it on the news all the time, and it is truly horrible. I guess the point I was trying to make was that, our society has broken down to the point where we now need armed security at places that condone peace. Its a sad state of affairs....

For the record though, I am still against a church policy that allows firearms. I have been a gun owner all my adult life, and have gone through several courses regarding them; I still wouldnt feel good with the "unknown vairables" of someone I dont know, firing into a crowd. At the very least, and to avoid any lawsuits, they should state that they ask people to keep firearms at home, and have that as an official policy. Then, it is the individuals responsibility, and not the church's, should something happen. Its sad, but thats the way we have to think these days, in a litiginous society (if I spelled that right!!).
I certainly wouldnt discourage individuals from doing what they feel they need to protect themselves, but if I were on the board for the church, I would certainly make it that the church isnt responsible for people carrying firearms.

Sorry, but topics like this disgust me. Not that people are defending themselves; that other would want to cause harm in a place promoting peace-REGARDLESS of the religious choice of the congregation!!! Its just a moral violation, akin to killing a police officer. Not only are you taking a life, you are thumbing your nose at something that people put trust in.