The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has toughened its policy on guns, declaring that firearms are now “prohibited” rather than just “inappropriate" inside the faith’s meetinghouses.
On Monday, a church spokesman confirmed that stricter wording had been added to the church’s Handbook 2, an instruction manual for local lay leaders, and is posted online for members and nonmembers to read.
“Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world," the new firearms policy states. "With the exception of current law enforcement officers, the carrying of lethal weapons on church property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited.