We, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, are praying with broken hearts. Over just a few short days, we have witnessed three horrific scenes of death: the killing of two young Black men in police actions that, as President Obama said, should “trouble all Americans” and the calculated ambush of twelve police officers in Dallas, five of whom have died. We grieve alongside the families and friends of all these victims, and cry out for an end to the plague of gun violence in our land.
We reiterate today the words of the Benedictine Peace Statement 2005: “As Christians and Benedictines we call for a return to the basic moral principles of our nation, principles of justice for all, hospitality to the oppressed and the immigrant, recognition and acceptance of legitimate differences, help for the poor, the deprived and the sick. We as a nation must know that the user of power is accountable to God, that might does not make right, that respect for all people is the duty of the civilized nations of this world.”
May the Lord receive the souls of all who have died into eternal life, and guide our nation into the ways of peace.
Sister Beverly Raway, OSB
Prioress
St. Scholastica Monastery