Pastor Ken Pagano says he wants to show that gun owners are law-abiding
Page last updated at 23:00 GMT, Saturday, 27 June 2009 00:00 UK
A pastor in the US state of Kentucky has told his flock to bring handguns to church in what he says is an effort to promote safe gun ownership.Pastor Ken Pagano told parishioners to bring their unloaded guns to New Bethel Church in Louisville for a service celebrating the right to bear arms.
He said he acted after church members voiced fears the Obama administration could tighten gun control laws.
When the service began, some 200 people were present, AP news agency said.
"We are wanting to send a message that there are legal, civil, intelligent and law-abiding citizens who also own guns," Mr Pagano told the congregation.
"If it were not for a deep-seated belief in the right to bear arms, this country would not be here today," he said.
The pastor was also planning a handgun raffle, as well as providing information on gun safety.
In the US, the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, and there are thought to be more than 200 million firearms in private hands.
But some gun owners fear that the new administration in the White House could try to challenge or amend some gun ownership laws.
Critics of the laws, meanwhile, link high levels of gun crime with high levels of gun ownership.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8122767.stm
.