Archbishop Dolan Calls for Prayers, Greater Respect for Human Life in Wake of Arizona Shooting

WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) renewed their call for respect for human life, as the nation mourned for those affected by the shooting that killed six, including John M. Roll, the chief judge for the United States District Court for Arizona, and wounded at least a dozen others, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The incident occurred on the morning of January 8, when Giffords was meeting with constituents outside a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona.

“Our prayers and concern are with those most immediately affected by this violence,” said Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the USCCB. “We commend to God those who have died and we pray for the families who lost loved ones and for those who are suffering from their wounds. We also pray for the person who committed these acts and those who are responsible for his care.”

“While we as bishops are also concerned about the wider implications of the Tucson incident, we caution against drawing any hasty conclusions about the motives of the assailant until we know more from law enforcement authorities.” Archbishop Dolan said. “Violence of any kind must be condemned. When the target of a violent act is a public official, it shakes the confidence of the nation in its ability to protect its leaders and those who want to participate in the democratic process. As bishops we call once more for respect for the life and dignity of every person as we work together for the common good, seeking to address the various social and political issues that face us as a nation.”

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Keywords: Archbishop Timothy Dolan, president, bishops, USCCB, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, statement, prayers, shooting, violence, respect, human life, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Judge John M. Roll, Tucson, Arizona

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