When is a dirk appropriate?

[Bruno]

Well, yes and no...while there are at least two stories I can think of armed ministers -- both Episcopalian vicars dealing with hostile Presbyterian congregations -- and of course, the armed piquets of the Covenanters on guard against approaching dragoons -- generally, church protocol and custom frowns on the idea of wearing weapons while in kirk.

Remember that in a church there is the custom of the right of sanctuary -- think the martyrdom of St. Thomas a' Becket or Bruce's murder of the Red Comyn.

T.

Actually it was Thomas Becket not Thomas a Becket this is a common mistake that has grown to such an extent that many actually believe that to be the truth rather than his real name.