The US bishops have responded to the executive action taken by President Barack Obama regarding gun control with the following statement:
«For a long time now, the bishops of the United States have called for reasonable policies to help reduce gun violence,» said Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, January 6, following the announcement by President Barack Obama of measures concerning regulation of firearms.
«Violence in our society is a complex issue with many facets, taking many forms. While no measure can eliminate all acts of violence which involve firearms, we welcome reasonable efforts aimed at saving lives and making communities safer. We hope Congress will take up this issue in a more robust way, considering all of the varied aspects involved. In addition to reasonable regulation, conversations must include strengthening social services for persons with mental illness, while being mindful that the vast majority of those suffering with mental illness are not likely to commit violent criminal acts.»
