BISHOPS STATEMENTS ON JULY 13 SHOOTING

“We pray for the recovery of former President Trump, for the tragically deceased person, and for those injured in the shooting incident at the political rally in Pennsylvania. Let us pray earnestly for peaceful and civil discourse in this fraught election cycle.” -Bishop Oscar Cantú

“Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump, and those who were killed or injured. We also pray for our country and for an end to political violence, which is never a solution to political disagreements. We ask all people of goodwill to join us in praying for peace in our country. Mary, Mother of God and Patroness of the Americas, pray for us.”

-Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,

President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Earlier this summer, the US bishops issued a statement on political violence, urging all people of good will to abstain from political violence, and instead, ‘pursue what leads to peace and building up one another’ through dialogue, seeking justice. Here is an excerpt: “In the best moments of American politics, people with very diverse viewpoints have found a way to unity, justice, peace, and ultimately, the common good. That is the ideal to which good politics aspires. However, more and more it has become abundantly clear that violent behavior – both physical and verbal – is now seen by many as an acceptable means for carrying out political or ideological disputes…”

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