We're not in Mayberry anymore, Toto!

Michigan Priest Urges Parishioners to Arm Themselves

Concealed Pistol License Classes Held on Parish Property

ANN ARBOR, April 22, 2015 (Detroit Free Press) by Patricia Montemurri—An Ann Arbor Catholic priest has urged his parishioners to arm themselves and attend classes at Christ the King parish to earn a concealed pistol license (CPL).

In a letter sent to Christ the King parishioners recently, the Rev. Edward Fride explained why he believed it was necessary to get concealed pistol licenses because of recent crime in the area. During a Palm Sunday mass last month, Fride announced that the parish would be holding the CPL class.

When some parishioners questioned the decision, Fride sent out a pro-gun letter titled "We're not in Mayberry Anymore, Toto" – a reference to the 1960s-era Andy Griffith Show and its portrayal of a fictional North Carolina town, as well as Dorothy's dog from the Wizard of Oz.

"It is very common for Christians to simply assume that they live in Mayberry, trusting that because they know the Lord Jesus, everything will always be fine and nothing bad can happen to them and their families," Fride wrote.

"How to balance faith, reality, prudence, and trust is one of those critical questions that we struggle with all our lives. Pretending we are in Mayberry, while we are clearly not, can have very negative consequences for ourselves and those we love, especially those we have a responsibility to protect. If we are not in Mayberry, is there a real threat?"

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."

Fride could not be reached for comment Monday. But 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.

Boyea "has never given permission for anyone to carry a concealed weapon in a church or school in the Diocese of Lansing," said a statement released by Diebold.

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

Diebold said the Lansing diocese's ban on weapons on church makes them "gun-free zones" and extends to those who want to practice "open carry" of weapons in full view. He added that public or professional security "provide for public safety on church property."

http://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/michigan-priest-urges-parishioners-to-arm-themselves