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5705 Lacy Rd.
Fitchburg WI 53711
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608-273-1008
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| Guns, church and a new law |
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When the Legislature passed and the governor signed a new law allowing people to carry concealed weapons in Wisconsin, they did not exclude places of worship from that law. So now each congregation must decide whether it wants to ban firearms in their property when the law takes effect on Nov. 1. Our Council has discussed this matter at recent meetings and is inclined to adopt a policy banning firearms from Memorial UCC and to post signs saying that at the entrances to our building. But before the Council takes final action, it would like to give the members and friends a chance to offer their opinions. During our adult education time on Sunday morning, Oct. 9 (that’s from 9:10 to 9:50 a.m.), Council President Sonjia Short will be in our library to lead a discussion of how our congregation should respond to the new law. We also invite people to send written comments to the Council, either by regular mail or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Council will be discussing this at its Oct. 11 meeting and will either adopt a policy at that meeting or by an email vote shortly after that. The only issue for us to consider is what policy Memorial would like to adopt for our property. The broader issues around the concealed carry law are for a different forum. The Wisconsin Council of Churches, in asking the Legislature to exempt places of worship from the new law, did say this: “… we hold in common the conviction that our places of worship are islands of peace in a troubled world. Those who come to our churches, parishes and synagogues do so to place their trust in God and to witness to their convictions that our human inventions and earthly devices are not the ultimate source of our safety or security.” The Council is considering a sign that says “Love Casts Out Fear. No Guns Here.” The sign will probably need some additional language to meet the requirements of the law, but we are waiting on guidance from the state on that. Please add your voice to the discussion if you have opinions on this matter. |