In the daily sadness and horror of our streets burning with visible unrest and destruction, we call the world to conversion of heart and action in peace for justice.
We have seen racism and injustice hidden in an apathetic society come to light. Even the most hardened of hearts has to be moved by our brother George Floyd as he gasped for breath, which costs no one anything, and beseeched the comfort of his mother only to have his spirit crushed and his life taken from him.
All people of goodwill and anyone who calls themselves Christian must examine with all their hearts how we have in our families, workplaces, churches and religious communities been racist in the past and present, even if only through our indifference.
With one voice, we also must choose to condemn those who accompany peaceful protests only to bring more destruction and death. They not only covet and steal things, but also the very prophetic breath of all who call for justice and peace.
We, the Friars of the Atonement, who are committed to penance and unity, call on all people of goodwill to join with us in the prayer Jesus prayed, “That all may be one.”
John 17:21
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22
THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE ATONEMENT, GRAYMOOR – JUNE 4, 2020