The following statement from Johnny Zokovitch, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, was released earlier today to the press. Pax Christi USA encourages all of our members to read and reflect on this statement from New Ways Ministry and to join in demonstrations and vigils in support of the LGBTQ community in the wake of this tragedy.
“In the wake of the shooting in Colorado Springs, Pax Christi USA joins New Ways Ministry in calling on Catholic leaders in dioceses, parishes, Catholic universities and schools across the U.S. to make clear both their condemnation of violence against members of the LGBTQ community and their efforts to end discrimination against LGBTQ people,” stated Johnny Zokovitch, Pax Christi USA Executive Director.
“We mourn for those whose lives were cut so tragically short at the intersection of hate and gun violence, a story that reverberates from Orlando to Pittsburgh to Charleston, from Buffalo to Uvalde to Colorado Springs. We grieve with the families and friends of those killed and pray for the healing of those injured. And we recommit ourselves – even in the face of the intransigence of elected leaders – to work for a world where the human dignity of all is respected and our government enacts reasonable restrictions on guns.”
Amen.
I totally agree with your message re guns in our country and the violence against LGBTQ recipients. God made us all different and beautiful in God’s eyes. These tragedies have got to stop. When will GUNS & hatred become a ” thing of the past? What kind of a country are we?
It is a sad and tragic commentary that a few weeks ago, the bishop of Denver came out against trans-gender folks; “No Catholic school is allowed to enroll trans-gender students!” Some would say that this bishop gave his blessing to this tragedy ahead of time……
Whether in community or individually, let us always battle against our hidden biases. Let us always be able to look into another’s eyes and see a child of God. Let us be moved to contact our elected representatives to take overdue steps to support legislation that would foster respect, inclusion, and safety for all–especially those on the margins of society.
We Americans allow our Republican and Democrat leaders, many who are Catholic, to sell and send billions of much-needed dollars in horrific weaponry around the world, enriching the military- industrialists and killing hundreds of thousands of human beings created by God. And then we look aghast when a mentally deranged individual goes on a shooting spree! Maybe, just maybe, our admired politicians are setting a bad example that resonates with the mentally ill. Think about it . . .
David-Ross Gerling, PhD
Amen to David Ross Gerling PhD choice of words and his insistent we all see this horrific crime against mankind promoted by mankind. To March into this mixup of our inhumanity to all of God’s children needs prayer never ceasing.