Kentucky pastor holding bring your guns to church day

A Kentucky pastor is inviting his flock to bring guns to church to celebrate Independence Day and the Second Amendment. New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church June 27, a Saturday. An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety. "We're just going to celebrate the upcoming theme of the birth of our nation," Pastor Ken Pagano said. "We're not ashamed to say that there was a strong belief in God and firearms - without that this country wouldn't be here." The guns must be unloaded and private security will check visitors at the door, Mr. Pagano said. Kentucky allows residents to openly carry guns in public with some restrictions. Gun owners carrying concealed weapons must have state-issued permits and can't take them to schools, jails or bars, among other exceptions. Mr. Pagano's Protestant church, which attracts up to 150 people to Sunday services, is a member of the Assemblies of God. The former Marine and handgun instructor said he expected some backlash, but has heard only a "little bit" of criticism of the gun event...AP