River Church's Gun Giveaway Sparks Controversy and Support
- A Kansas City-area church recently sparked attention by posting about offering firearms to its members.
- The church's social media activity generated significant reactions from the public, reflecting varying opinions on the topic.
- This initiative raises discussions on the intersection of faith, community safety, and gun ownership rights.
River Church in Kansas City, which had fewer than 100 members, recently made headlines after hosting a gun giveaway event in June. The initiative, which was promoted through a Facebook post, attracted significant attention, generating nearly 2,500 comments and close to 2,000 shares. Pastor Zehner defended the giveaway, stating that "a gun is a blessing" in the context of the Second Amendment and American freedoms. He emphasized that the church's mission intertwines the support of constitutional rights with teachings of Jesus Christ. Zehner, a gun owner himself, expressed that while the church has previously distributed items like groceries, the gun giveaway was a unique venture. He acknowledged that some may question the appropriateness of giving away firearms, but he argued that in terms of family protection and upholding Second Amendment rights, it could indeed be seen as a blessing. Despite the positive reception from some, the church faced backlash, receiving a dozen threats following the event, including ominous messages regarding the church building. River Church operates independently and is affiliated with Revival Ministries, which raises questions about the broader implications of such giveaways within religious communities. When asked about the need for clearance to distribute guns and the official stance of Revival on the Second Amendment, Zehner did not provide specific details. However, he indicated that the church may consider hosting similar events in the future, reflecting a commitment to their interpretation of faith and freedom.