Multiple churches across the country host summer gun giveaways

Churches across the country hosted 4th of July celebrations that included giveaways or raffles with AR-15 style guns as the prize to be awarded to whomever won the raffle or giveaway. 

New Chapel Church in Comstock, Michigan, hosts a summer carnival style celebration where games, sermons, and guns seem to attract the community. Local residents and some former church participants were angered and saddened by the choice to give guns away to random winners.

The Fountains Fellowship Church in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted a raffle in June that included a Glock and Beretta style gun. The raffle claims the money will assist with funds for a summer camp. The raffle is still available to view on their website at The Fountains Fellowship.

Pastor Todd Holmes from the River of Tri-Cities church in Johnson City, Tennessee, told WJHL that this is only one of many giveaways they do at their church. The pastor also claimed that whoever wins the raffle must pass a background check.

The River Church in Kansas City has hosted multiple gun giveaways for Father’s Day and Independence Day.

Some churches go even further, such as last year when the Grace Baptist Church in New York gave away an assault rifle and flamethrowers. The church also allegedly would require congregants to touch pork to prove they are not of the Jewish or Muslim faith.

The practice of gun giveaways hosted by churches is not exactly a new concept. Many churches have participated in such giveaways for years. However, with an increase in gun violence and a lack of mental health services, the practice is concerning communities across the country as it seems to be more common practice amid a highly politicized society. The action is clearly intended to bring new people to the church by offering prizes they simply cannot refuse.

If you are aware of illegal practices regarding weapon giveaways or raffles, you can contact your local police department or the ATF at https://www.atf.gov/atf-tips.