It was a sad weekend last weekend for the Church. Our beloved prophet Russell M Nelson passed away last Friday. He was 101 so I don’t think it was a large surprise. It seemed he would go on forever but in the back of my mind, 101 is getting up there.
Then a nutbag ran into a Chapel on Sunday in Michigan, started shooting, and lit the place on fire. From what I see 4 people didn’t go home. Several other people were injured. I’m assuming from being shot or maybe the fire. Anyway, I want to say something about this incident. To start, I want to say that I sustain our leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those leaders in Salt Lake, and our local leadership. This was a deliberate attack on the Church and its members. So “run, hide, fight” (RHF) was maybe partially effective. But 2 guys in a “L” shaped counterattack would have stopped him quickly. Even if the 2 guys had 9mm pistols and he had superior firepower with a rifle. I doubt he ever engaged an attack like that even in Iraq.
But I digress. This is just one more incident in a long list that I have collected over the years as proof of the need for more than RHF. It also cements in me the fact that our enemies are creating this kind of hate. By demonizing the Church and dehumanizing it as a “cult” you are fueling every whack job out there. Whether it is extreme right or extreme left it always ends up like this. I’m sure John Dehlin is not directly responsible for this type of behavior, but he, and those like him, are creating those who end up feeling that they need to rid the world of this “evil”. I hold these type of people, anti-Mormons, partly responsible. But I’m sure this won’t change their tune. Other churches also are to blame. Those church’s that constantly call our church a “cult”. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, exmos or ex members of our church that are bent on destroying the church are our greatest enemies.
The hate and vitriol that comes from these enemies needs to be curbed or more of these type attacks will continue. And the Church needs to pull its head out of the sand and understand the vulnerable position we as regular members are in. By policy I can’t have a lethal weapon on church property. So, I hope if my chapel ever gets attacked like Michigan we can run away. If that running fails maybe we can hide. But if that fails there is nothing to fight with. Bullets go through hymn books!
I am a trained weapons instructor. So is my Bishop. Neither of us is law enforcement. Yet by Church policy, we cannot be armed on Church property. I’m not sure what magic law enforcement or military for that matter, has but it’s something that eludes me. There’s a quote from my old instructor Jeff Cooper
"Owning a handgun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician." ~ Jeff Cooper
This makes me wonder if it’s a liability issue. But to put a worry about liability over my family’s safety doesn’t make me happy!
I’m not saying we need security guards. What I’m saying is RHF is a very lame way to mitigate a deadly issue. I read that during this attack on a Michigan ward that someone had hidden in a bathroom. If someone was wandering around the building shooting people, hiding in the bathroom would make the murderers job easier.
I know what I would do if I were the Church. I would put together a plan that included some brethren in a team. Not a hardcore tactical security team. But just a group (maybe 3) of guys who do shoot. They would need some training for liability reasons. Different training would be advantageous. Criminal recognition, how fire teams work, etcetera. Members of this team do not have to be law enforcement. They need to know what to look for and how to operate with an active shooter. They should have a background check and other requirements. It doesn’t have to be a heavy thing, something loosely organized. But something.
I don’t think we should make our chapels fortresses. I think security can be achieved quietly. When the Church organized a security department and executive protection for the brethren, no one really knew. It was kept quiet for about a decade. It’s possible and should be considered.
I’m not trying to be critical or contentious. I just think it’s about time something happens in North America at least. There may be other countries that need this.
Since there is nothing in place you need to be extra cautious. Being in the chapel should be a calm, peaceful experience. But we shouldn’t be in White. There’s nothing wrong with being in Yellow. Situational awareness is always something to stay up on. Go through scenarios and have exits in mind. Don’t be mindless and too comfortable. Worship in peace, but always be prepared.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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