Special to The Message
Following the news of the shooting at a political rally involving former President Donald Trump on July 13, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement:
“Together with my brother bishops, we condemn political violence, and we offer our prayers for President Trump, and those who were killed or 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.”
Diocese of Evansville Bishop Joseph M. Siegel said, "The Diocese of Evansville joins in prayer for former President Trump and all the victims of the shooting in Pennsylvania, along with our nation. We ask the Lord to bestow the Spirit of healing and reconciliation upon our people, that we might be united in our desire for justice, truth and peace."
Earlier this summer, the USCCB issued a statement on political violence, urging 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. For the full statement, visit usccb.org/resources/pursue-what-leads-peace-rom-1419-christian-response-rising-threats-political-and.