A Word in Times of Violence and Change

As the leader of an organization called to witness to God’s peace rooted in justice, I stand firm, consistent, and committed to this goal. 

In light of the recent shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN. I regard this incident as one symptom of an ongoing epidemic. Our societal leadership remains too comfortable in complacency serving the pharmaceutical and gun industry that has wasted most, if not all, moral standing for responsible gun safety and mental health awareness. I pray with our Catholic siblings and peacemakers in Minneapolis, even as I call for advocacy and action to prevent further gun violence. 

In light of the tornados that ravaged Chiapas, my prayers and demand for environmental justice remain fervent and steadfast. I invite us to heed God’s call to be responsible stewards of creation, preventing human-made natural disasters and loving our neighbors around the world.

I firmly stand as a peacemaker in opposition to the U.S. administration’s move to abandon peace by renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This is the latest in a long series of actions by dominant Western powers that illustrate their commitment to militarism. I say to this administration, let’s not confuse Christianity with preserving the empire instead of the egalitarian vision of Christ.

This obsession with violence and war still has yet to solve any problem in this world. Let’s be reminded that we are called not to condemn but to love the world for Christ’s sake! (John 3:17)

In God's peace.