Pastor's mother shot, killed outside Colo. church

[Crossfire]

AURORA, Colo. (AP) — A Colorado pastor's mother and a suspect are dead after both were shot outside a suburban Denver church.

Authorities say the pastor's mother was shot when she went outside the New Destiny Christian Center in Aurora just as services were ending Sunday. They say an off-duty officer was in the congregation and shot a suspect.

Police told CBS-4 in Denver (http://cbsloc.al/J378zi) that the shooting happened after there was an argument between people in two vehicles in the parking lot outside the church.

Pastor De Lono Straham told 9NEWS in Denver (Pastor's mother killed in church shooting | 9news.com ) that his mother passed away after the shooting Sunday evening.

Police say the suspect who was shot also died.

Pastor's mother shot, killed outside Colo. church - Houston Chronicle

 

[Crossfire]

AURORA, Colo. (AP) — A Colorado pastor's mother and a suspect are dead after both were shot outside a suburban Denver church.

Authorities say the pastor's mother was shot when she went outside the New Destiny Christian Center in Aurora just as services were ending Sunday. They say an off-duty officer was in the congregation and shot a suspect.

Police told CBS-4 in Denver (http://cbsloc.al/J378zi) that the shooting happened after there was an argument between people in two vehicles in the parking lot outside the church.

Pastor De Lono Straham told 9NEWS in Denver (Pastor's mother killed in church shooting | 9news.com ) that his mother passed away after the shooting Sunday evening.

Police say the suspect who was shot also died.

Pastor's mother shot, killed outside Colo. church - Houston Chronicle

I'm a little taken back by this story. It's tragic that the Pastor's mother was shot & killed. However, I would like to know more details as to why an off duty police officer would bring a gun to church. While I'm sure that many in the congregation are thankful that the officer had brought a gun thus preventing the shooter from hurting anyone else, I'm curious to hear the entire story.

 

[Oncefallen]

Many off duty law enforcement officers carry concealed weapon off duty. It's one of those jobs that 24/7 you're always a cop. This is the second time in recent years that we've had an off duty police officer end an armed conflict at a church in Colorado. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Life_Church_shooting

 

[jonathanbchristian]

This could change the kind of sermons the pastor preachs. My prayers will be with them.

 

[Jullianna]

The truth is that police officers are never actually off duty. They have a duty to act within their bailiwicks, off duty or on, especially when witnessing the commission of a felony.

I do not carry a gun into church, but I know pastors who do.

 

[Oncefallen]

The sad thing is that here in America things have gotten to the point that even a church is not guaranteed to be a safe place. The church I used to attend had multiple off duty police strategically placed throughout the sanctuary during each service because of multiple threats against the life of the pastor.

 

[TheKringledOne]

The sad thing is that here in America things have gotten to the point that even a church is not guaranteed to be a safe place. The church I used to attend had multiple off duty police strategically placed throughout the sanctuary during each service because of multiple threats against the life of the pastor.

This kind of thing isn't anything new in America or even the world. Churches are often targeted for attacks by those who are intolerant of the opinions of others on the matter of faith. There are problem numerous other reasons for violence like this around churches but they aren't new either.

Sad nonetheless.

 

[violakat]

The sad thing is that here in America things have gotten to the point that even a church is not guaranteed to be a safe place. The church I used to attend had multiple off duty police strategically placed throughout the sanctuary during each service because of multiple threats against the life of the pastor.

We had to do that just recently, for a time, since the pastor at the church I attend kinda ticked off a major faction of the city.

 

[Jullianna]

Shortly after I first joined CC I was at a Bible study at my church on a Sunday evening when a very obviously unstable man came walking into the church, high on something, who completely disrupted our study wanting money from the church to help him get where he was going. We were able to do the old "separate and evacuate" maneuver...our pastor (a very large, ex-college football playing country boy who does carry a gun and knows full well how to use it) was able to draw him into his study to talk while some of us assisted parents in getting all of the kids out of the building through a side door and get them all home safely.

This was the first time I'd ever witnessed anything like this firsthand. Anywhere people gather in numbers, and especially in emotionally charged situations, there's no telling what could happen. You never know what might set someone off in a world full of hurting people.

 

[Crossfire]

We had to do that just recently, for a time, since the pastor at the church I attend kinda ticked off a major faction of the city.

The police often frequent our services and conferences after someone tried to burn the building down early last year. Apparently, a video from one of our conferences went viral after a regular speaker had a special altar call for those struggling with homosexuality. We had just about every gay activist organization in the United States after us.

 

[violakat]

The police often frequent our services and conferences after someone tried to burn the building down early last year. Apparently, a video from one of our conferences went viral after a regular speaker had a special altar call for those struggling with homosexuality. We had just about every gay activist organization in the United States after us.

Hmm, so, I wonder if they are targeting churches, specifically those who are outspoken.

 

[Jullianna]

I wouldn't doubt for a minute that it's part of the agenda, violakat. I truly believe this is where the hate crime legislation is headed...to prevent churches from being able to speak against practices the scriptures forbid. We all really need to step back and look at the bigger picture before us.

 

[Jullianna]

I want to make it VERY clear to anyone reading my last post that I do NOT condone in any way TRUE hate crimes. I don’t want to see even those who behave in ways forbidden by scripture to be abused. They are accountable to God, just like the rest of those who sin. My ONLY point is that case law can be manipulated in courts. We’ve all seen laws that were intended for good and for protection be twisted into loopholes and mandates for which they were NEVER intended. This is what we need to keep in mind.

 

[Oncefallen]

I wouldn't doubt for a minute that it's part of the agenda, violakat. I truly believe this is where the hate crime legislation is headed...to prevent churches from being able to speak against practices the scriptures forbid. We all really need to step back and look at the bigger picture before us.

It wouldn't surprise me at all, from what I understand this is the case already in Canada.

 

[Mrdll]

I'm a little taken back by this story. It's tragic that the Pastor's mother was shot & killed. However, I would like to know more details as to why an off duty police officer would bring a gun to church. While I'm sure that many in the congregation are thankful that the officer had brought a gun thus preventing the shooter from hurting anyone else, I'm curious to hear the entire story.

Most police departments, Sheriff Department and State Police are "Required" to carry their badge, weapon, and cuffs while off duty, just for this reason. I know that our department here requires it. Even in church. Like Oncefallen said; "Even off duty, their still COPs".