Statement of Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger
On the Death of George Floyd and Subsequent Turmoil
“As followers of
Jesus Christ and as Catholics, we have the responsibility and mandate to
eliminate the tragedy and scourge of racism. Our hearts ache for the family of
George Floyd who suffered and died senselessly at the hands of those sworn to
serve and protect. We mourn with people of conscience everywhere who have been
motivated to speak out against abuse of power and to give voice to all who
suffer the persistent injustices of racist attitudes and practices. It is
not enough just to decry injustice, or even to pray and sympathize with those
who suffer from an everyday experience of being treated as inferior or unworthy
because of their racial or ethnic identities. This must be our constant work.
“We have no more
urgent task than to join with those of all faiths in promoting the God-given
dignity of each and every person, and to come together in these troubling days
of our national life to bring about understanding, acceptance and healing among
people of all races and backgrounds.”