Church hosts blessing ceremony featuring AR-15s

NEWFOUNDLAND, Pa. — Hundreds of worshipers are gathered inside a Pennsylvania-based church at a blessing ceremony for couples featuring their AR-15 rifles. World Peace and Unification Sanctuary in Newfoundland believes the AR-15 symbolizes the “rod of iron” in the biblical book of Revelation, and encouraged couples to bring the weapons to the commitment ceremony Wednesday morning.

Authorities say the shooting suspect, Nikolas Cruz, used an AR-15 in the attack that killed 17 people.

About 50 weapons, secured by orange zip-ties, have been checked in so far by the crown-wearing worshipers. 

A church leader is telling those gathered that the ceremony is a blessing of couples, “not a blessing of inanimate objects.” He called the AR-15s and crowns “religious accoutrements.”

Outside the church are two sign-waving protesters. One sign says “shame” and the other calls the group an “armed cult.”

Classes at nearby Wallenpaupack South Elementary School have been canceled due to the ceremony.