Dear readers,
You likely have heard that a short time ago, a gunman took shots at Former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. It is far too early to know details of the shooting, although the incident is being investigated. People are speculating that the incident was politically motivated, and emotions on both sides of the political aisle are understandably heightened.
I take this opportunity to encourage prayers for the former president’s wellbeing. I also encourage prayers for others who were affected by the incident including one person who died. We also pray for the family of the alleged shooter, who also died during the incident.
As we continue an already tumultuous election season, we remain mindful that violence is never an acceptable way to go about political disagreements. This is true whether it is an effort to overturn the results of an election or an effort to injure or kill a political adversary. Our American democratic system is designed to make decisions and choose leaders based on what the people want. We make these decisions at the polls, and not through violence.
As a member of the clergy, and as a person of faith, I denounce this act of violence and I urge you to do the same. I also remind you of your responsibility to vote. Your vote is the best way for your voice to be heard. This is true even in, and perhaps especially in, down-ballot races. When we vote, we do so prayerfully and with the best interests of not only ourselves, but others, in mind.
We keep the former president, the current president, and the welfare of our entire nation in our prayers. We also pray for the wisdom and strength to navigate this election year appropriately, to listen to the concerns of those around us, and to respect the dignity of every human person.
May God’s blessing be upon us all,
Father Tim
Thank you Fr Tim for addressing this.