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This past weekend my wife & I visited a new church - this church meets at a private school, renting the gym for their worship service. There is no doubt in my mind that this school qualifies by the definition of a "school" in section 46.11. They have teachers, a principal (head master), & students grades K-12.

* The church does not post 30.06 (nor would they - they are very pro-gun).

* There are absolutely NO school activities at the facility on Sundays. The only activity on the entire property is 100% that of the church.


My question is - and I'm sure this has been asked before, but I couldn't find it despite my searching:
Is it legal to carry to the church services on Sunday morning?


Fwiw, we liked this church and would consider going back. But this is a deal-breaker for me - if I can't carry, we won't attend.

IANAL, but IMO, if the building is owned by the school, then it is a school even out of hours no matter who is meeting there. So, it is statutorily off-limits to carry.

that is the way i understanding as well, it's no carry.

I'm the other way around, my kids goes to a school that is a church on the weekend... but we have discuses for weddings and such, it's off limits.

Don't forget that the school administration can adopt a policy allowing any specific person or class of persons to carry in the school.

PC 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a)(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, ... unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;

- Jim

seamusTX wrote:Don't forget that the school administration can adopt a policy allowing any specific person or class of persons to carry in the school.

PC 46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a)(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, ... unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;

- Jim

I wonder how often that's actually happened. Outside of that one district in a rural part of Texas, the name of which escapes me at the moment, I bet not very often. Worth a try, but probably not likely.

Harrold ISD in Harrold, Tx.

BrianSW99 wrote:I wonder how often that's actually happened.

For CHL holders, only Harrold ISD that I know of. However, many colleges have shooting teams and allow students to bring their weapons to certain parts of the school premises.

Since this is a church and private school and, in the words of the OP, "they are very pro-gun," I don't see an obstacle.

- Jim

I think it sounds like the church and private school are separate entities with the church renting from the school. The church may be pro-gun, but the school might not be.

Well, the OP will have to sort out the details. I just wanted to point out that it is possible to get legal permission to carry in a school building.

- Jim

seamusTX wrote:Since this is a church and private school and, in the words of the OP, "they are very pro-gun," I don't see an obstacle.

Um - "the law" might be an obstacle.

BrianSW99 wrote:I think it sounds like the church and private school are separate entities with the church renting from the school. The church may be pro-gun, but the school might not be.

Yes, they are completely separate entities. The church rents the space (specifically, the gym) on Sundays.



Until I hear from someone who KNOWS otherwise (ala, Charles), I'm going under the assumption that it is NOT legal for me to carry there (based on the aforementioned text of the law).

I'm in the same exact boat. Church meets in a private school, only activity on Sundays is church related. In my case, the Church rents substantially all of the school (using classrooms for a Childrens ministry, and another for a refreshment area, with the main service in the Gym). I REALLY like this church, but am strongly considering a new church due to the carry restrictions. The trouble is that most of the Churches in my area meet in schools (public and private), so my choices are a bit limited.