We Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids are grieved at the events unfolding in our nation’s capitol. As we watch and listen to what is happening in Washington, DC, we hold our nation, citizens, and elected leaders in prayer. We condemn the violent actions that seek to destroy the confirmation of our democratically elected President-elect and Vice-President-elect and, ultimately, our democracy.
As President-elect Biden said in his statement, “Today’s a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile and to preserve it requires people of goodwill, leaders with the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to the pursuit of power and personal interest at any cost, but to the common good.” It is the common good of our nation that calls us to speak out against all forms of violence and disruption that seek to disregard our common values of justice and peace, our common humanity, and our common desires for a nation built on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We call on the sitting President to end his rhetoric that has incited today’s events and to accept the results of the election which have been Constitutionally fulfilled. We call on him and all our elected leaders to do what they have been elected to do – to protect the Constitution of the United States and to lead by way of example. We call on our fellow citizens to listen to their better angels, engage in dialogue that considers other perspectives and remain open to change and compromise, and work to build a nation that is united.
As we continue to celebrate these days of Christmas in our Catholic Christian tradition, we call on the One who is the Prince of Peace, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, to instill in our hearts and in the hearts of all people the courage and conviction needed to stand up to violence and instead create a nation that has the potential to be a light to its own citizens as well as other nations.
May our pledge to each other and the common good restore peace and dignity to our politics and government.