To: The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
From: Concerned Members in All The Stakes of Zion
Subject: Defending Families in Times of Danger: A Plea from Concerned Saints
We, the undersigned members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, respectfully petition Church leadership to reconsider the current policy prohibiting firearms on Church property. Considering increasing threats to public safety, we ask that responsible, law-abiding members be permitted to carry concealed weapons while attending worship services and activities.
The tragic attack in Grand Blanc, Michigan, on September 28, 2025—where four members were killed, eight wounded, and the chapel set ablaze—underscores the urgent need for policy reevaluation. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting places of worship across the nation. Other notable shooting incidents at places of worship and religious schools include:
- Aug 27, 2025: Minneapolis, MN – Annunciation Catholic Church, 2 killed / 21 wounded
- Jul 13, 2025: Lexington, KY – Richmond Road Baptist Church, 2 killed / 2 wounded
- Dec 16, 2024: Madison, WI – Abundant Life Christian School, 2 killed / 6 wounded
- Feb 11, 2024: Houston, TX – Lakewood Church, 2 wounded
- Jan 3, 2024: Newark, NJ – Masjid Muhammad Mosque, 1 killed
- Mar 27, 2023: Nashville, TN – Presbyterian Covenant School, 6 killed / 1 wounded
- Jun 16, 2022: Vestavia Hills, AL – St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 3 killed / 1 wounded
- May 15, 2022: Laguna Woods, CA – Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, 1 killed / 5 wounded
- Feb 28, 2022: Sacramento, CA – The Church in Sacramento, 4 killed / 1 wounded
- Dec 3, 2021: Birmingham, AL – LDS Chapel, 1 wounded
- Dec 29, 2019: White Settlement, TX – West Freeway Church of Christ, 2 killed
- Apr 27, 2019: Poway, CA – Chabad of Poway, 1 killed / 3 wounded
- Oct 27, 2018: Pittsburgh, PA – Tree of Life Synagogue, 11 killed / 6 wounded
- Jul 22, 2018: Fallon, NV – LDS Chapel, 1 killed
- Nov 5, 2017: Sutherland Springs, TX – First Baptist Church, 25 killed / 22 wounded
- Sep 24, 2017: Antioch, TN – Burnette Chapel Church, 1 killed / 8 wounded
- Jun 17, 2015: Charleston, SC – Emanuel AME Church, 9 killed / 1 wounded
- Aug 5, 2012: Oak Creek, WI – Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, 6 killed / 3 wounded
- Aug 29, 2010: Visalia, CA – LDS Chapel, 1 killed
These events underscore a sobering modern reality: sacred spaces are not immune to mortal danger. While we gather to seek spiritual refuge, we must also ensure physical safety for our families and fellow Saints.
Scripture and prophetic counsel affirm that defending one’s family is a divine responsibility:
- “Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed” (Alma 43:47).
- “All men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property…from unlawful assaults…of all persons in times of exigency” (D&C 134:11).
- The Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith used firearms in defense of their lives and others at Carthage Jail (LDS History, Saints, Vol 44).
The Family: A Proclamation to the World declares that fathers are divinely appointed to protect their families. President M. Russell Ballard reaffirmed this in General Conference: “Fathers are expected…to protect [their families] from danger. Physical protection…is important.”
The Church’s current policy permits only active law enforcement officers to carry firearms on Church property. This excludes retired officers, military members and veterans, and other legally authorized individuals—creating an inequitable and inconsistent standard.
Additionally, the “run, hide, fight” guidance endorsed for active shooter scenarios is tacit acknowledgement by Church leaders that members may have no choice but to fight back if they are unable to flee or hide. Yet run, hide, fight is increasingly viewed by security experts as outdated—especially in situations where assailants can inflict mass casualties within seconds. Modern threats demand immediate engagement, not passive measures. Congregants deserve access to effective means of protection.
We affirm our faith in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and embrace His teachings of love and forgiveness. Yet, in the spirit of Captain Moroni— “a man of perfect understanding…whose heart did glory…in preserving his people”— we assert our right and duty to defend our families from imminent harm.
We implore Church leadership to prayerfully reconsider this policy, aligning it with both spiritual doctrine and the realities of modern safety. Our intent is not to promote fear or hate of anyone, but to uphold the sacred charge to protect life, family, and faith.