The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of
Arlington, stands in solidarity with his brother bishops of the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops in expressing deep regret and sorrow for those
killed in the church shooting in Texas last night, as well as for those
injured. Soon after hearing the news of the shooting, Bishop Burbidge tweeted,
“May we be united in our prayers for the victims of the shooting in Texas
church and for the end of all horrific violence in our world.”
From: President
of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Responds to Mass Shooting in Texas
November 5, 2017
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Daniel N DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston,
President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has
issued the following statement in response to today’s mass shooting during a
church service in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows:
“Earlier today, we heard of the mass shooting at the Baptist
Church in Sutherland Springs,
Texas. With Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, I extend my
prayers and the prayers of my brother bishops for the victims, the families,
the first responders, our Baptist brothers and sisters, indeed the whole
community of Sutherland Springs. We stand in unity
with you in this time of terrible tragedy -- as you stand on holy
ground, ground marred today by horrific violence.
We ask the Lord for healing of
those injured, His loving care of those who have
died and the consolation of their families.
This incomprehensibly tragic event joins
an ever-growing list of mass shootings, some of which were also
at Churches while people were worshipping and at
prayer. We must come to the firm determination that there is a
fundamental problem in our society. A Culture of Life cannot
tolerate, and must prevent, senseless gun violence in all its
forms. May the Lord, who Himself is Peace, send us His Spirit of charity
and nonviolence to nurture His peace among us all.”