Grace Community Church (GCC) seeks to provide a safe environment for all people to come together in fellowship. The church recognizes that some individuals choose to carry a firearm to provide for their safety. GCC maintains a policy of “may issue” permission to carry a firearm.
South Carolina gun laws prohibit a person from bringing a firearm to church unless the Church gives the carrier permission to bring the firearm.
All CWP rules and regulations apply; nothing in this document can override, and does not override, any state or federal laws. Active or retired law enforcement officers are subject to state and federal laws and their agency's policies regarding the carrying of weapons, which may exempt them from some or all of these rules and regulations.
Only GCC members are eligible for approval to conceal carry at a GCC-owned or rented building or any GCC functions.
Permission request process:
- Applicant, herein referred to as ‘Intended Carrier’ or ‘IC’, will be directed to submit a request to carry and submit their CWP and State or Federal ID with the request.
- Either the GCC’s Deacon of Trustees (DT), a pastor, or an elder will review the documents for authenticity.
- The IC will be interviewed by either the DT, a pastor or an elder. The questions are posed with the intention of illuminating the IC’s philosophy on carrying and using a weapon.
- If the IC passes the previous steps, the documents will be submitted to the elder board for concealed carry approval. This meeting only happens monthly, so the wait time may be several weeks to a month.
- Upon approval/refusal, the IC will be notified.
The following statements apply at all times in a GCC-owned or rented building(s) and at any GCC functions:
Requirements of the approved carrier:
Submit a current photograph for GCC’s records.
- Submit a current photograph for GCC’s records.
- A special annotation will be made in the Church’s Planning Center to allow Trustees to identify weapon’s carriers.
- Provide a copy of their valid concealed carry permit and valid state or federal identification.
- Agree to this policy in its entirety including the fact that the use of a firearm is always the last measure to be taken and will only be used in keeping with state and federal laws after all other possible measures have been taken. -Understand that, regardless of this policy, individuals are required to maintain an independent knowledge and understanding of applicable laws.
- Agree to keep their concealed carry approval private and only discuss it with the trustees, pastors, or board of elders.
- Conceal firearms at all times.
- Carry firearms in an GCC-approved holster at all times.
- Holsters must have a retention device or design that is specifically intended to prevent the firearm from dropping, falling, or being maliciously taken from the holster.
- Authorized carriers agree to keep their CWP updated and will give a copy of their CWP and current state or federal ID to the DT, pastor, or elder upon renewal or update of either.
- Purse, bag, fanny pack style, pocket, and backpack carry is allowed but must remain in possession of IC at all times.
- Approved firearm calibers are .22, .32, .357, .38, .380, 9mm, .40, 10mm, and .45.
- Shotgun and rifle-load pistols are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to derringers and AR-style pistols.
- +1 and +2 grip extension-style magazines ARE authorized. Extended magazines intended to greatly increase the standard capacity of a pistol are PROHIBITED for carry in an GCC-owned or rented building and at any GCC function.
- If an authorized carrier’s CWP expires or otherwise becomes invalid, the individual will notify the DT, pastor, or elder and cease carrying a firearm in an GCC-owned or rented building and at any GCC functions until their CWP is renewed or becomes valid and their permission is renewed.
- Upon approval, the carrier will provide a photo ID for identification purposes and the photograph will be maintained by the Church Administrator.
- Permission to carry a firearm in an GCC-owned or rented building or at any GCC event can be revoked at any time and for any reason as deemed appropriate by GCC.
- Semi-annual training will be offered for all CW carriers and any other interested persons.
This policy is subject to review and revision at any time.