The Rt. Rev. Steven Andrew Miller, bishop of the Diocese of Milwaukee, writes of violence and the concealed weapons debate:
The fear we felt [on 9/11] pales in compassion to the terror those living around the Beltway experienced a year later when a sniper randomly shot and killed 11 people and wounded three others over several weeks.
During these weeks, restaurants and shops were empty, we checked sight lines when we bought gas, and elementary schools were on lock down.
One of the reasons I’ve been proud to live in Wisconsin is because of our reasonable gun laws that allow those who enjoy hunting to do so and set reasonable limitations on other weapons.
We do not need concealed carry. We do not need to be a state like Minnesota or North Carolina, in which wherever you go — to restaurants, hotels and even churches — you’ll find signs posted regarding firearms. The proposed concealed carry bill will only add to a culture of violence and fear, and increase the number of senseless killings.
Christians serve God, who has promised in the Scriptures to turn weapons of war into tools of agriculture. Unfortunately, in this state with its rich agricultural industry, we seem to be going the other way.
Two “fast-tracked” pieces of legislation are currently under consideration in Wisconsin. Each allows lawful carry of a concealed weapon by anyone 21 or older who purchases a $65, five-year permit.