The shootings of schoolchildren in Uvalde, Texas, Black shoppers in Buffalo, New York, and physicians and others at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have broken our hearts and are testing our nation. What does faith offer and demand in the face of such evil and loss? How are disciples of Jesus called to comfort those who mourn, to hunger and thirst for justice, and to become peacemakers? What does Catholic social teaching on defending human life and living with solidarity require to change racist actions and structures, to change laws to prevent gun violence, and to change our hearts to overcome a culture of violence?
These urgent and haunting questions were explored by a Catholic archbishop who has been at the heart of the care and ministry for the families and community of Uvalde, the president of Catholic Health Association, a religious woman who has led corporate responsibility efforts on gun safety, a priest and theologian who is a leader in confronting racism and injustice, and a journalist covering the human and spiritual devastation in Buffalo and Uvalde.
John Carr, co-director of the Initiative and former director of justice and peace efforts of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, moderated the dialogue.
Resources
View a list of articles, statements, videos, and other resources for this dialogue.
