Concealed Gun Legislation Information

The 2017 Arkansas Legislature has approved legislation concerning concealed handguns that impacts all churches. Beginning September 1, 2017, Act 859 2017 will make it legal to carry concealed handguns into any church or place of worship unless the congregation takes action through the appropriate administrative body to prohibit them and provides notice that complies with the law’s provisions.

Attached are three resources that have been prepared in consultation with our Conference Chancellor, Michelle Ator, to help your congregation address this significant matter:

• Information Sheet Concerning the New Law and Your Church (includes Sample Policy and FAQ)
• Sample Sign with Picture
• Sample Sign without Picture

Please feel free to contact the Assistant to the Bishop, the Reverend Jim Polk, at (501) 324-8042 or jim.polk@arumc.org if you have questions after reviewing these materials.