GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE, OR DO THEY?

[HairOfTheDog]

"JESUS WANTS YOU TO CARRY A GUN"

Edward Fride, a reportedly popular and beloved pastor at Christ the King church in Ann Arbor, has told parishioners to carry guns.

He has essentially told churchgoers that Jesus would defend his loved ones and others from evil-doers by lethal means, if necessary.

He sent them a letter informing them that since they were not in Mayberry anymore, they needed to learn to defend themselves and should take a Concealed Carry License class which he was sponsoring.

Fride told parishioners in the letter that Catholic teachings do not preclude carrying a gun for self-defense and to defend others. Fride then asserted that crime is up and that because of budget cuts, "there has been a significant reduction in the availability of an armed police response."

Michael Diebold, a spokesman for the Diocese of Lansing which oversees the Ann Arbor parish, confirmed Monday that the controversial letter had been sent.

"Yes, it appears that 'We're Not in Mayberry Anymore, Toto!' was sent out to the parishioners of Christ the King by their pastor, Fr. Ed Fride," Diebold wrote in an email to the Free Press.

Guns and gun lessons do not belong in a Catholic church, Lansing Catholic Bishop Earl Boyea stressed in a statement after they learned about Fride's letter from the Free Press.

"Additionally, Bishop Boyea further states that Concealed Pistol License classes are inappropriate activities to be held on Church property," wrote Diebold.

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/20.../26086691/