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U.S. Catholic Bishops Issue Urgent Call for Peace and Human Dignity Amid Social Unrest
In a series of pastoral letters and public statements, several prominent U.S. Catholic bishops are warning of a collapse in civil discourse and social order. The prelates are calling for a national "renewal of heart," rooted in the fundamental principle of God-given human dignity.
The warnings come at a volatile moment, following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents during immigration protests in Minneapolis. Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, and Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock are among the voices urging a return to Gospel values to prevent further fragmentation.
A Nation at a "Crisis Point"
The bishops expressed deep concern that political polarization has reached a level that threatens the stability of the country.
Archbishop Gomez: Writing for Angelus, he stated bluntly, “The country cannot go on like this,” noting that “polarization and partisanship are poisoning the social fabric of our country.”
Bishop Taylor: Warning of a moral decline, he noted, “We have reason to worry about the direction our society has taken in recent years. And we have reason to work to shore up our democracy before it is too late.”
Archbishop Etienne: Described the current era as “turbulent times” marked by “conflict abroad, fragmentation at home, and profound questions about our shared moral life.”
Historical Parallels and Dehumanization
Bishop Taylor drew a controversial yet somber comparison to the 1930s, citing his own family’s history during the Holocaust. While clarifying that current leaders are not identical to historical dictators, he warned that the “dehumanization of mass, indiscriminate deportation” mirrors tragic chapters of the past, such as the internment of Japanese-Americans and the Trail of Tears.
“I fear that the same dynamics are now happening in our country with the decline of civil discourse,” Taylor said, urging Americans to learn from history's failures.
The Immigration Crisis and the Common Good
As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, Archbishop Gomez lamented that the government’s treatment of undocumented individuals contradicts the nation’s founding ideals.
On Human Rights: Gomez stressed that “we do not lose our rights based on the color of our skin... or for not having the proper documents.” * On Enforcement: While acknowledging the government’s duty to enforce laws, he insisted “there must be a better way than this,” calling for all sides to “take a step back in the interests of the common good.”
On Solutions: He advocated for the bipartisan Dignity Act as a way to restore order while providing a legal path for those already contributing to society.
A Path Forward: Truth, Justice, and Charity
Archbishop Etienne’s pastoral letter, “A Well-Ordered Society Rooted in Truth, Justice, and Peace,” draws heavily on the teachings of St. Augustine and a recent address by Pope Leo XIV. He emphasizes that the "rule of law" is a moral achievement meant to protect the weak from the strong.
Key Pillars for Renewal:
Human Dignity: The "unshakeable truth" that every person is created in the image of God.
Solidarity: Recognizing our interdependence as a "social expression of charity."
The Common Good: A commitment to a just and peaceful order for all members of society.
Archbishop Etienne concluded with a plea for spiritual grounding: “Brothers and sisters, the world around us is undergoing profound change... but Christ remains our sure foundation.”
Image of Arch. Gomez By InkWeaverAtHeart - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
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