US bishops: action needed in response to Newtown shooting tragedy
(Vatican Radio) In the aftermath of the school shooting tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut,
the chairmen of three committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
have issued a joint statement to decry violence in society. The bishops repeated the
call from Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of USCCB, who expressed on
the day of the horrible tragedy, deepest sorrow for all the victims and a call to
work for peace in our homes, streets and world. They called on all Americans, especially
legislators, to address national policies that will strengthen regulations of firearms
and improve access to health care for those with mental health needs. "As Catholic
Bishops, we join together with the President of our Conference, Cardinal Timothy Dolan,
who on the day of the horrible tragedy expressed his profound solidarity with and
prayers for the families, friends, neighbors, and communities whose hearts have been
rent by the loss of a child or loved one," said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton,
Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South
Bend. The bishops are chairmen of the USCCB's Committee on Domestic Justice and
Human Development; Committee on Communications; and the Committee on Laity, Marriage,
Family Life and Youth, respectively. "Sacred Scripture reminds us time and again to
'be not afraid.' Indeed, we must find within ourselves the faith-filled courage to
address the challenges our nation faces, both in our homes and in our national policies,"
they said. They also addressed the need for healthcare policies that provide support
to people with mental health needs, and called on the entertainment industry to address
the proliferation of violence and evaluate its impact in society.
Full text
of the statement follows: Call for Action in Response to Newtown Tragedy Bishop
Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, and Bishop
Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend The Lord Jesus Christ, in his Sermon
on the Mount, teaches us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,"
and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Mt 5:4,
9). In the face of the horrific evil that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School
on December 14, 2012, as people of faith we first and foremost turn to God and pray.
We pray for those whose lives were robbed from them. As Catholic Bishops, we join
together with the President of our Conference, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who on the
day of the horrible tragedy expressed his profound solidarity with and prayers for
the families, friends, neighbors, and communities whose hearts have been rent by the
loss of a child or loved one. No words can capture your suffering. We look to Christ,
his words and deeds, and ultimately to his Cross and Resurrection. It is in Jesus
that we place our hope. The Sandy Hook tragedy has caused great anguish for parents
and others who attempt to safeguard our children. In addition to the outpouring of
prayers and support from around the nation, understandably this tragedy has given
rise to discussions about national policies and steps that can be taken to foster
a culture that protects the innocent and those most vulnerable among us. It is time
for our nation to renew a culture of life in our society. Sacred Scripture reminds
us time and again to "be not afraid." Indeed, we must find within ourselves the faith-filled
courage to address the challenges our nation faces, both in our homes and in our national
policies. These challenges encompass many areas with various complexities. Here, we
offer particular words regarding the issue of the regulation of fire arms, the standards
for the entertainment industry, and our service to those with mental health needs.As
religious leaders, we are compelled to call on all Americans, especially elected leaders,
to address these issues. With regard to the regulation of fire arms, first, the
intent to protect one's loved ones is an honorable one, but simply put, guns are too
easily accessible. The Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, in their
document, "The International Arms Trade (2006)," emphasized the importance of enacting
concrete controls on handguns, for example, noting that "limiting the purchase of
such arms would certainly not infringe on the rights of anyone." Secondly, our
entertainers, especially film producers and video game creators, need to realize how
their profit motives have allowed the proliferation of movies, television programs,
video games and other entertainment that glorify violence and prey on the insecurities
and immaturity of our young people. Such portrayals of violence have desensitized
all of us. The massacre of twenty little children and seven adults causes each of
us to reflect on our own understanding of the value of human life. We must improve
our resources for parents, guardians and young people, so that they can evaluate entertainment
products intelligently. We need to admit that the viewing and use of these products
has negative emotional, psychological and spiritual effects on people. We must
also reflect on our own fears as we grapple with our prejudices toward those with
mental health needs. Our society must provide health services and support to those
who have mental illnesses and to their families and caregivers. As a community we
need to support one another so no one feels unable to get help for a mentally ill
family member or neighbor in need. Burdensome healthcare policies must be adjusted
so people can get help for themselves or others in need. Just as we properly reach
out to those with physical challenges we need to approach mental health concerns with
equal sensitivity. There is no shame in seeking help for oneself or others; the only
shame is in refusing to provide care and support. The events in Newtown call us
to turn to our Lord in prayer and to witness more profoundly Christ's perfect love,
mercy and compassion. We must confront violence with love. There are glimmers
of hope in this tragedy. Many people, including some of the victims, made extraordinary
efforts to protect life. In particular, the teachers, the principal, the children,
the first responders and other leaders showed tremendous courage during the tragedy.
Some sacrificed their own lives protecting others. In their memory and for the
sake of our nation, we reiterate our call made in 2000, in our statement, Responsibility,
Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice,
for all Americans, especially legislators, to: 1.Support measures that control
the sale and use of firearms 2.Support measures that make guns safer (especially
efforts that prevent their unsupervised use by children and anyone other than the
owner) 3.Call for sensible regulations of handguns 4.Support legislative efforts
that seek to protect society from the violence associated with easy access to deadly
weapons including assault weapons 5.Make a serious commitment to confront the pervasive
role of addiction and mental illness in crime. As we long for the arrival of the
Prince of Peace in this Advent and Christmas season, we call on all people of goodwill
to help bring about a culture of life and peace.