Title: ELCA Bishops Support Lawsuit Against Concealed Weapon Law
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 23, 2003

ELCA BISHOPS SUPPORT LAWSUIT AGAINST CONCEALED WEAPON LAW
03-135-JAC*

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Six Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) bishops in Minnesota made a public statement June 19 supporting a
lawsuit filed by the Edina Community Lutheran Church, Edina, Minn.  The
lawsuit against the state of Minnesota is an attempt to have concealed
weapons banned from church-owned property.
     The Minnesota Citizens' Personal Protection Act of 2003, referred
to as the "conceal and carry law" took effect on May 28 and allows
concealed firearms to be carried into nongovernmental buildings by
individuals who have applied for and received concealed weapon permits.
For establishments -- including churches -- to keep firearms out, signs
must be prominently posted at each entrance stating that concealed
weapons are not allowed.  According to the provisions in the act, church
properties are considered private establishments or establishments in
which concealed firearms are allowed unless otherwise posted.
     The six bishops are the Rev. Rolf P. Wangberg, Northwestern
Minnesota Synod; the Rev. Peter Strommen, Northeastern Minnesota Synod;
the Rev. Paul A. Ranum, Southwestern Minnesota Synod; the Rev. Craig E.
Johnson, Minneapolis Area Synod; the Rev. Peter Rogness, Saint Paul Area
Synod; and the Rev. Harold L. Usgaard, Southeastern Minnesota Synod.
     "We believe the presence of firearms on Lutheran church property,
unless carried by government peace officers on official business or on
land designated for hunting purposes, is entirely inconsistent with the
Lutheran church's theology, mission and worship practices," the
statement said.
     In the statement the bishops expressed concern for "government
interference" in the church and urged lawmakers to reconsider the
legislation.  "We urge members of our synods to express their concerns
to lawmakers, and, more importantly, to recognize in this issue the
occasion to reflect on our stewardship of the society God has given us,"
the bishops said.
     Since filing the lawsuit, the Edina Community Lutheran Church has
found it is not alone.  It has been joined by the Minnesota Roman
Catholic bishops, the Episcopal Church and other churches which are
attempting to keep guns off church properties, according to the
Associated Press and Episcopal News Service releases.
     "Plaintiffs sincerely believe, based on their religion, that the
presence of firearms on church property, including in the church parking
lot, is inconsistent with their commitment to peacemaking and
nonviolence," said attorneys for Edina Community Lutheran Church in the
lawsuit filed May 20.
-- -- --
The statement by the bishops can be found at
www.swmnelca.org/staff/bishop/statement03jun.htm on the Web.

* Jessica A. Crane is completing her bachelor of arts degree at
Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.  This summer she is an intern with
ELCA News and Media production.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html