Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body" (Col. 3:12-15).

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. Political speech is often full of insults, fear, anger, and anxiety. Sadly, racism, religious discrimination, and xenophobia are on the rise. People in public office are receiving more death threats than ever before; some of these threats turn into physical attacks. About half of Americans expect there will be violence in response to future presidential election results.

America can do much better. There is no good reason to resort to violence to resolve political issues. To start with non-violent alternatives: dialogue and voting better serve our human dignity; peaceful protests, petitions, lawsuits; and civil disobedience in the face of injustice are effective measures too. By contrast violence harms innocent victims undermines order and rule of law does not ensure positive lasting change.

We pray urge all Christians people of goodwill abstain from political violence any kind! Instead “pursue what leads to peace building up one another” (Rom 14:19) through dialogue seeking justice.Pursue Peace How does one pursue peace? How can there be peace when something truly unjust? Pursuing peace does not mean ignoring injustice society should stop unjust acts good intentions still must bear Holy Spirit’s marks “love joy peace patience kindness generosity faithfulness gentleness [and] self-control” (Gal 5:20). Fully giving in anger however righteous leads opposed Spirit “hatreds rivalry jealousy outbursts fury acts selfishness dissensions factions” (Gal 5:20). Nothing lasts opposed Spirit—whether political movement anything else—but built Spirit indestructible (see Acts 5:38-39). Through Dialogue Political dialogue should mirror Christian dialogue beginning God-given human dignity each person hypocritical Christian “bless Lord Father” turn around “curse human beings made likeness God” (Jas 3:9). Dialogue not about winning arguments debate real dialogue hard essential finding common ground solution might built requires openness vulnerability Between violence indifference persistent humble dialogue necessary path peace Seeking Justice Dialogue around justice means starting positive proposals create social change common good God’s justice renders each person his her dignity Education respectful dialogue around proposals necessary cooperation agreement struggle need not troubled obstacles arise Rather always remember end “[t]he work justice will be peace” “effect justice [will be] calm security forever” (Is 32:17). Conclusion Let us pray turning away violence away anger away demeaning others made image likeness God work for peace through dialogue justice We pray trust thanksgiving Lord bless country including political process “the tender mercy our God” will “guide our feet into path peace” (Lk 1:78-79).

Most Rev Borys Gudziak

Archbishop Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy Philadelphia Chairman Committee Domestic Justice Human Development

U.S Conference Catholic Bishops