Dallas shootings: US Bishops call for prayers, reflection, civility, dialogue

Following the deadly attacks on police officers in Dallas, Texas, during a peaceful rally protesting about the killings of two men in Louisiana and Minnesota by police, the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Joseph E Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, extended a call to prayer, reflection, civility and peaceful dialogue.

The full text follows:

Let Us Gather at the Cross

A statement from Archbishop Joseph E Kurtz of Louisville President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The assassination of Dallas police officers last night was an act of unjustifiable evil. To all people of good will, let us beg for the strength to resist the hatred that blinds us to our common humanity. To my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us gather at the Cross of Jesus. Our Saviour suffered at the hands of humanity's worst impulses, but He did not lose hope in us or in His heavenly father. Love overcomes evil.

The police are not a faceless enemy. They are sons and daughters offering their lives to protect their brothers and sisters. Jesus reminds us, "no one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (JN 15:13). So too, the suspects in crimes or routine traffic stops are not just a faceless threat. They are members of our family in need of assistance, protection and fairness. When compassion does not drive our response to the suffering of either, we have failed one another.

The need to place ever greater value on the life and dignity of all persons, regardless of their station in life, calls us to a moment of national reflection. In the days ahead, we will look toward additional ways of nurturing an open, honest and civil dialogue on issues of race relations, restorative justice, mental health, economic opportunity, and addressing the question of pervasive gun violence.

Let us pray for the comfort of everyone affected and that our national conversation will bear the good fruit of healing and peace.

Source: USCCB