For most, church is a place of peace, solace and getting closer to their God.

However, in the wake of the South Carolina church massacre, it is just another place black and brown people can be gunned down by the insane.

One church in Minneapolis, Minnesota is taking a different approach to their regular church services. They are allowing members of their congregation to arm themselves with guns to be protection for church. That church is Real Believers Faith Center in north Minneapolis.

“We have to be aware that people don’t discriminate. Even if a sign says ‘don’t bring guns or guns are banned’ criminals are not going to follow the law,” security guard DeAngelo Parker said. “That is why they are called criminals.

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Berniece Merchant, who has been a member of the church over a decade, says carrying a concealed weapon provides a chance to defend in case of an emergency.

“Even though this is a church environment and God speaks love, you still have a lot of people in the world that do not believe in Christ,” she said. “We want them to come in here and not be worried. They shouldn’t have to be in fear of coming into the church house.”

All of this is backed, supported and was suggested by Pastor Larry Cook of the church. He says he implemented the security team eight years ago when someone threatened to harm one of his members. The South Carolina killings only emphasis this as the right move in his eyes.

“It is our responsibility to protect those while they are here,” Cook said. “We too get wisdom from the word. The bible says to be wise as serpents but harmless as doves.”

Naturally, there have been criticism to Cook’s allowance of weapons in his church, but he doesn’t care and is standing steadfast in his decision.

SOUND OFF: Do you think it is a good idea for church members to carry weapons into their church?

Source: KARE11