US church holds ceremony for AR-15-wielding couples – causing nearby school to close down for the day
The World Peace and Unification Sanctuary says the AR-15 rifle symbolises the ‘rod of iron’ in the biblical Book of Revelation
A Pennsylvania school will shut down for the day on Wednesday because a church down the street is hosting a ceremony featuring AR-15 rifles.
World Peace and Unification Sanctuary in Newfoundland believes the AR-15 symbolises the “rod of iron” in the biblical Book of Revelation, and it is encouraging couples to bring the weapons to a commitment ceremony.
The ceremony, to be held about half a mile from Wallenpaupack South Elementary School, is expected to draw hundreds of couples.
On Friday, the superintendent of the Wallenpaupack Area School District wrote in a letter to parents that while “there is no direct threat to our school or community,” given concerns about parking, traffic and the “nature of the event,” students will be bused to schools about 15 miles (24 kilometres) away.
Superintendent Michael Silsby added there will be increased security at the school all week.