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POST
ELECTION STATEMENT FROM ARCHBISHOP SCHNURR
My
Dear Friends in Christ,
One
of the most contentious and divisive elections in recent memory is now
behind us. And, like many communities around our nation, our
Catholic parishes at times succumbed to its negative effects. Now,
we and all people of good will must forge ahead. Before us still
loom serious pro-life and social justice issues in our society that
impact the very lives and dignities of those whom we are called to love.
Examples include the unborn victims of abortion and the pregnant
mothers in crisis who need help; people of faith whose religious
liberties are threatened; families not treated as the most important
institution of our society; those seeking decent jobs and the poor
surviving off our safety nets; migrants trampled down by a broken
immigration system; victims of war and terrorism around the globe; and
the environment that sustains us all.
As
members of all political parties, active in a variety of ministries in
our parishes, schools, and religious communities, Catholics must
advocate tirelessly on such issues. As St. Paul explained to us
long ago, we are many members yet one body in Christ (1 Cor. 12).
And though we may have disagreements about how we go about the details
of this work, we must affirm each other as we each do our part to build
God’s Kingdom of life and dignity for everyone. We must remain
determined and passionate, but we must pursue our work with civility and
respect if we are to attract anyone towards the truth we are trying to
communicate.
Finally,
I am full of a sense of hope for this coming Advent, when we will launch
our "Catholics Come Home" initiative to reach out to those who
have drifted away from our Church. I can think of no better way
for our returning brothers and sisters to feel a sense of welcome than
to experience a community of faith that puts love, charity and
reconciliation above all else, especially after such a polarizing time
in our nation. Let us each take responsibility for ensuring that
our Eucharistic tables provide both a refuge from such storms and a
vocation to bring Christ's love out into the world. Then our
parishes can more effectively give the hearts of our returning Catholics
the Good News they still long to receive.
In
thanksgiving for all you do to help make this a brilliant Year of Faith,
I am
Sincerely
yours in Christ,
+Dennis M. Schnurr
Most
Rev. Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop
of Cincinnati
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