Saturday, November 05, 2011

Wisconsin bishops to parishioners: Keep concealed weapons out of church

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.

A new state law now allows residents to carry concealed weapons, beginning Nov. 1.