Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor has canceled the concealed pistol license class it was offering for parishioners.
The decision comes after Lansing Catholic Bishop Earl Boyea issued a statement saying the classes were "inappropriate for church property."
During a Palm Sunday Mass last month, Christ the King pastor Rev. Edward Fride announced plans to offer the course at his parish.
He followed the announcement with a seven-page letter to members, explaining why he felt the course was needed.
"It is very common for Christians to simply assume that they live in Mayberry, trusting that because they know the Lord Jesus, everything will always be fine and nothing bad can happen to them and their families," Fride said.
Fride said crime rates near the church are up, and there aren't enough law enforcement officials to respond to problems in the area.
After the bishop's statement Tuesday, Fride issued a statement on his Facebook page.
"We will obviously follow [the bishop's] policy on this and on all decisions he makes as he shepherds [the Lansing] Diocese," he said. "I am his priest and I will continue to serve him to the best of my ability."
The parish held the class twice before canceling the remaining sessions.
