Madison, Wis., Nov 2, 2011 / 23:03 pm
The Wisconsin bishops urged non-violence and underscored the need for citizens to be responsible after the state legalized a measure allowing concealed weapons.
“While the Church has always upheld the right to self-defense, peaceful means of reconciling conflicts and differences, both as individuals and nations, is the preferred method,” the bishops wrote.
Over 80,000 people downloaded permit applications on Nov. 1, hours after Wisconsin's new concealed carry law took effect. Republican Gov. Scott Walker approved and signed the legislation this past July.
The new law allows anyone who is at least 21 years old, has not been convicted of a felony and takes at least four hours of firearms training to apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon from the state Justice Department.