Churches and Guns In A Coronvirus World

These are indeed unusual times. Our lives have been drastically changed and many are trying to figure out what’s next.

I just returned from the Legislature and we put together a Coronavirus Relief package to get immediate help to those in need. The unanimously passed $1.6 billion package contained emergency funding for education, food security, small business, health care, and other needs. It was indeed a bipartisan effort and I appreciate the work of all my colleagues.  

Eyes glaze over when one talks about budgets. I remember when my daughter was very young she asked me a question. I did not know the answer so I said “why don’t you ask Dad.” She said, “Nah, that is okay. I do not need to know that much.”  Dad gave way too much detail. I will not do that here but if you want more details, I will be glad to furnish in-depth numbers.

Let’s talk a little bit about restrictions on churches and worship services during this emergency crisis. We have all heard the complaints that ABC stores are open and churches are closed. 

Fifteen (15) states have no limits on numbers attending worship services. North Carolina is one of twenty (20) states that requires fewer than 10 people. The US Department of Justice is scrutinizing cases in some states and lawsuits have been filed. TheDepartment is looking into cases where parishioners were identified in churches via license plates and issued citations and fines. A statement from DOJ indicated that it appeared churches had been singled out for distinctive treatment not imposed on other entities. Social distancing is allowed in retail facilities but not in churches. This will be interesting to watch it play out.

At times like this, many are stressed and anxious and feel the need to be in church to worship and pray. It provides us solace and comfort. We do not need a building to worship or pray. Many of us are even more engaged in prayer right now than ever before. But we do look forward to returning to worship with our fellow church mates.

Any time there is an emergency, gun sales go up. This crisis is no different and has even surpassed all other emergency order sales. Small Arms Analytics and Forecasting issued a report noting that March Firearms sales totaled 2.5 million sales, an 85% increase year over year. Usually this is a relatively slow time for gun sales. This is the highest number ever recorded over the past 20 years. About 80% of these sales were to new buyers.

Demand for firearms often tracks with feelings of helplessness and uncertainty and a fear of lawlessness. This phenomenon stems from the distinctly American philosophy of self reliance and independence. There is a feeling of the responsibility to protect oneself and their loved ones. Andrew Flescher, a public health expert, explained that buying a gun “possibly furnishes the buyer with a feeling of control.”

Many believe that the increase in gun sales is troubling. With mental health care providers already seeing a huge spike in treatment needs, their concern is that an increase in access to guns is not a healthy combination. Many suicides are a result of gunshot wounds and domestic  violence is a real concern. The risk is heightened by economic stress, isolation, anxiety and depression.

So many of our citizens are feeling desperate. My heart aches for them. 

It is an honor and privilege to be able to help many of our citizens. The biggest frustration has been helping constituents get unemployment benefits. I have been able to help many of you  through the system. My office is in the process of helping many more. The administration was not prepared for the demand. That has been very unfortunate because there are so many who need immediate help. I will continue to do all I can to help you through.

My door is open if I can help in any way. Stay safe and well.