In All Things
 Michael J. O'Loughlin | Oct 31 2011 - 8:11pm | 5 comments

Beginning tomorrow, residents of Wisconsin will be able to apply for a permit allowing them to carry concealed weapons, but the state's Catholic bishops are urging residents to leave their guns at home while attending Mass. The Associated Press reports:

Wisconsin's bishops are urging parishioners to keep their concealed weapons out of church. 

The state's five bishops issued a statement Monday saying they won't mandate churches prohibit concealed weapons but want parishioners not to carry them into churches as a sign of reverence. 

They want local pastors to consider that Catholic teachings stress non-violent conflict resolution and Catholic churches have a long tradition of serving as sanctuaries for people fleeing violence as they decide whether to allow concealed weapons or ban them.

The full statement can be read here, and a statement released last May opposing the law can be read here. 

Comments

wm purit | 11/9/2011 - 6:00pm
Why am I confident the Bishop's would like us to check our 1st Amendment rights at the door also? 
Thomas Rooney | 11/2/2011 - 3:38pm
Oh for corn's sake, Wisconsans!  I love this country and the Bill of Rights too...but we can all get together on the "no fireams during Mass" thing, can't we????
T BLACKBURN | 11/2/2011 - 11:06am
For neither the first nor the last time, the Second Amendment trumps the First Commandment in the good, old US of A. In Smith & Wesson we really trust. Amen
Bill Mazzella | 11/1/2011 - 12:58pm
Salutary action by the bishops. This is when they are at their best. The Church of Christ should send the message against violence.
JIM MCCREA | 11/1/2011 - 4:35pm
What the good citizens of my home state need to remember is this:

Only little boys need big toys!