July 21, 2024 - "Political Violence"

Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA, and president of the U. S. Conference of Bishops (USCCB) made the following statement after learning of the assassination attempt:

 

“Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump and those who were killed in 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.”

 

Earlier this summer, the USCCB issued a statement from the Most Reverend Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and Chairman, Committee on Domestic Justice, that urges all Christians and 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.”

 

I want to quote from that USCCB document because it is particularly relevant in light of the assassination attempt on former President Trump as well as the tragic death of Corey Comperatore and the serious injury of several others in that attack.

 

“Pursue What Leads to Peace” (Rom. 14:19): A Christian Response to Rising Threats of Political and Ideological Violence

Put on them, 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 ha 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 idea 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 offices are receiving more death threats than ever before, some of which turn into political attacks. About half of Americans expect there will be violence in response to future presidential election results.

 

America can do so much better. There is no good reason to result to violence to resolve political issues. To start, there are countless non-violent and effective alternatives. Dialogue and voting better serve our human dignity, as do peaceful protests, petitions, lawsuits, and civil disobedience in the face of injustice. By contrast, violence harms innocent victims. Violence undermines order and the rule of law. Practically speaking, political violence does not ensure positive or lasting change.

 

To be continued next week.

 

Until then ….. Fr. John Dillon