Jefferson City, Mo., Aug 21, 2016 / 15:09 pm
The Missouri legislature should let stand the governor's veto of a bill that would allow concealed carry of firearms without a permit, the state's Catholic bishops have said.
"Catholic Church teaching recognizes the right to self-defense as a way of preserving one's life and in defense of others in the face of an imminent threat," the Missouri Catholic Conference said. "We encourage Missouri citizens of good will, however, not to fall prey to the notion that we are somehow safer as individuals and as a society if everyone is always and everywhere armed."
The conference statement was signed by all the state's bishops.
The bishops said the current concealed carry permit process is "reasonable and prudent," noting such steps as a background check and eight hours of formal training for permit applicants. The training includes instruction in loading, cleaning, storing, and discharging of firearms and lessons about the lawful and appropriate use of force.