Bishops with Missouri dioceses respond to U.S. Capitol violence, chaos

Bishops of three denominations with congregations in the Show Me State have released statements condemning the Wednesday violence on Capitol Hill.

Because of the length of the statements, portions are excerpted below.

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau

On the diocesan Facebook page Thursday was shared A statement by Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops, was shared Thursday on the diocesan Facebook page:

“I join people of good will in condemning the violence (Wednesday) at the United States Capitol. I am praying for members of Congress and Capitol staff, for police and all those working to restore order and public safety.

“The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of this great nation. In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God.

“I entrust all of us to the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May she guide us in the ways of peace, and obtain for us wisdom and the grace of a true patriotism and love of country.”

• Episcopal Diocese of Missouri — Bishop Deon K. Johnson

“None of us could have imagined these events. The acts of violence and vandalism we have seen on social media and on broadcast news is a reminder that God comes among us even in a difficult and trying world.

“As people of faith we are called to make no peace with violence or oppression. We are called, in the words of St. Francis, to be ‘instruments of peace,’ and at this time of uncertainty, I invite you to join me in prayer for our nation, our elected leaders and for all in authority in this land.

“May we reflect the light of the Christ we follow.”

• United Methodist Church Missouri Conference — Bishop Robert D. Farr

“What happened at the U.S. Capitol (Wednesday) was un-American. It was not okay. Even as we affirm the rights of freedom of speech and to peacefully assemble, the peaceful transition of power is a pillar of a democracy and nothing must disrupt this process.

“What happened was beyond alarming but perhaps not surprising. People of the Word know that words have consequences. The president of the United States and key members of his party, including Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, have been whipping up fear and anger among their radical supporters for weeks, months, even years.

“This is not to say all leaders of one party or the other conducted themselves in this way. Many have carried out their work with dignity. I name only the inflaming language used by some in trying to subvert the outcome of an election.

“I condemn the abuse of power and rhetoric from leaders inciting violence, division and anarchy. I call on all to work for justice and the common good of the country and our democracy.

“I trust our democracy. It is messy and often broken but it is ours and we must protect it. The Church has a role in standing up to violence. Join me in praying for those who died and were injured in the unlawful actions, including the loved ones of a woman shot and killed in the violence, for first responders, for our legislators and their staff.

“I know the news coming from Washington and around our country is disheartening. The increasing division, persistence of unfounded conspiracy theories and growing radicalization among us are scary. But sisters and brothers, let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). And, for the many of us who are beyond weary, exhausted and broken-hearted, trust in a promise.

“Jesus says to come to him if we are weary (Matthew 11:28). It is there, at Jesus’ side, that he shares his yoke with us, teaching us that his words and actions are often the rest and the life we need.”