CNY Church to Parishioners: Your Guns Are Welcome Here

In the wake of the Texas church shooting that left 26 dead, a central New York church is sending a clear message to anyone who'd like to do harm to their parishioners: our members are packing. 

The Lighthouse Mexico Church of God in Oswego County posted a message on the sign outside the church this week: 'We Say It Again, We Are Not A Gun Free Zone.'

Pastor Ronald Russell told Spectrum News that he feels if he doesn't encourage members to openly carry, he's being complicit in a potential attack on his congregation.

People say 'well, pastor, you’re talking about killing some,' and I say 'well, if I don’t protect my people, I’m being complicit.' A shooting here, that’s not going to happen'', Spectrum reported.

The report notes began their open carry policy following the 2015 church shooting in South Carolina - when Dylann Roof shot and killed nine churchgoers in that incident.