I am a seminarian at an orthodox Anglican seminary in the US and am a candidate for holy orders. I became the focus of faculty anti-gun sentiment when one of the professors discovered that I am armed. The bishop who will ordain me, upon learning about my stand on firearms, informed me that I will not be permitted to CCW while a member of the clergy in his diocese.
To my knowledge there has been little truly open-minded/ theologically credible debate by clergy about clergy armed for self-defense in recent history. The viewpoint that "it is inconceivable that clergy would contemplate either using firearms or endorsing the ownership of weapons for self defense" needs to be confronted.
I pray that you have resources (in print or advisory) on "armed clergy". To be heard when I present my position to the school and the diocese, I need to support my position theologically . Any helps you can steer me toward will be greatly appreciated.
God bless,
KApple