HOW DID HE HAVE A GUN?
A statement by the Anglican Primate of Australia, Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier
Anglicans, like all Australians, share the shock and grief at the tragedy that unfolded yesterday and this morning at the Lindt Chocolat Café in Martin Place, Sydney.
Such an event makes everyone feel a little less safe as we go about our daily activities. It is important now that we value and build community harmony as we all struggle to come to terms with the siege, and the death of two hostages and the hostage-taker.
One question we hope the authorities will address at the appropriate time is how Man Haron Monis came to have a gun. He was known to the police, was on bail on charges of being an accessory to the murder of his wife and on 40 counts of sexual assault, and had threatened the families of Australian soldiers killed on active service. Did he acquire the firearm legally? Is it time to re-examine our firearm regulations and their enforcement?
It is certainly time for a renewed effort to make Australian society free of gun violence.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who were caught up in this appalling incident.
The Most Revd. Dr Philip Freier, Anglican Primate of Australia and Archbishop of Melbourne