MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops are urging parishioners to keep their concealed weapons out of church.

The state’s five bishops issued a statement Monday saying they won’t mandate churches prohibit concealed weapons but want parishioners not to carry them into churches as a sign of reverence.

They want local pastors to consider that Catholic teachings stress non-violent conflict resolution and Catholic churches have a long tradition of serving as sanctuaries for people fleeing violence as they decide whether to allow concealed weapons or ban them.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)