Virginia Code Section 18.2-283 states that it is illegal for any person to carry any firearm without a good and sufficient reason to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place.
Personal protection is considered to be a good and sufficient reason to carry a firearm. A place of worship can prohibit its parishioners, priests, etc. from being armed because private property owners can choose to ban guns on their property.
Keep in mind that it is also unlawful for anyone to knowingly possess a firearm while such person is upon the buildings and grounds of a place of worship that is part of a religious parochial elementary, middle, or high school.
And always remember, Virginia is a Stand Your Ground state. This means that if you did not start the fight or provoke the incident in any way, then you can stand your ground and defend yourself or others from the attack with reasonable force under the circumstances, without having to retreat.
And as always, you can call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney if you have any questions about protecting a place of worship in Virginia.
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