NEW YORK — As the political climate remains tense in Congress and among voters across the country, U.S. bishops are urging people to prioritize unity, justice and peace through dialogue rather than resorting to acts of physical and verbal violence.
In a new letter, Archbishop Boris Guziak said that in the face of insult-filled political speech, a rise in racism, religious discrimination and xenophobia, and more death threats than ever before against people in public office, “America can do much better.”
“There is no justification for resorting to violence to resolve political issues,” said Gudziak, who heads the Ukrainian Archdiocese of Philadelphia and chairs the U.S. Conference of Bishops’ Commission on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “Dialogue and voting are in keeping with human dignity, as are peaceful protests, petitions, litigation and civil disobedience against injustice.”
“In contrast, violence hurts innocent victims. Violence undermines the rule of law,” Guziak continues. “Indeed, political violence does not guarantee positive or lasting change.”
The letter, titled “Pursue the Peaceable: A Christian Response to the Rising Threat of Political and Ideological Violence,” was released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops earlier this month. Gudziak sent the letter to members of Congress last week, specifically urging them to change their attitude.
“As you all too well know, a growing number of Americans are embracing violence as a means of resolving political disputes, including the increased threats and, sadly, violent attacks that public officials like you have faced,” Guziak wrote in a June 18 letter to lawmakers.
“I therefore wish to share with you the attached statement, which calls on all Christians and people of good will to refrain from any kind of political violence and instead ‘pursue what leads to peace’ and to seek justice through dialogue,” Gudziak continued.
In a general letter to all, Guziak noted that throughout history, the greatest moments in American politics have been those when people with diverse perspectives found a path to “unity, justice, peace, and ultimately the common good.” In the current climate, he encouraged people to pursue peace, embrace dialogue, and seek justice through advocacy.
Gudziak argues that political dialogue should mirror Christian dialogue in that it prioritizes the God-given human dignity of each person. Dialogue is not a debate, so the aim should not be to win an argument, he says.
“True dialogue is difficult, but it is essential to find common ground on which solutions can be based,” Gudziak said. “Dialogue requires openness and vulnerability. Between violence and indifference, persistent and humble dialogue is the necessary path to peace.”
Gudziak added that conversations around justice are focused on creating social change for the common good.
“God’s justice gives dignity to each person,” Gudziak said. “Cooperation and agreement require education and respectful dialogue about these proposals, which will often be difficult. We need not be troubled when these obstacles arise.”
Bishop Gudziak concluded his letter to lawmakers by saying that the U.S. bishops are ready in every way to help ensure that the country’s political culture firmly rejects violence and moves toward dialogue, justice and peace. In his letter, addressed to all people, Bishop Gudziak reiterated his commitment to working for peace through dialogue and justice.
“Let us then pray to stop the violence, the anger and the contempt for others made in God’s image, and to work for peace through dialogue and justice,” Gudziak said. “We pray with confidence and gratitude that the Lord will bless our country and our political process, and that the tender mercy of our God will guide our feet onto the path of peace.”
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