Source: Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Asked to choose between a Christian spirit of peace and a God-given right of self-defense, Mississippi senators are overwhelmingly favoring the latter.

The Senate voted 36-14 Tuesday to pass the bill, known as the Mississippi Church Protection Act. The bill returns to the House.

It says places of worship could designate members to undergo firearms training and carry guns to protect the congregation.

The bill also allows people to carry guns in holsters without a concealed weapons permit, expanding on last year’s law allowing people to carry guns in purses without a permit.