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Statement From Bishop James F. Checchio

Statement From Bishop James F. Checchio
Posted on 04/21/2021
Statement graphic

A Statement from Bishop James F. Checchio on the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial:

This evening’s reading of the verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin again reminds us of our common humanity: our failures, our brokenness, our pain and what is most needed now, our hope.We are all equally made in the image and likeness of God, sharing in the fullness of His goodness which comes from the sharing of His own life. At the intersection of a call for racial justice and a global health crisis, which our nation and our world are contending with, we have a shared responsibility to seek the common good, to promote it and to pray for it.

This past year has certainly been an emotional one. The stories which have unfolded have inspired hope and have also beget heartbreak, but we experience them together, living as brothers and sisters joined together in Christ and with one another. We must recommit ourselves to respecting all human life and to accepting our own humanity as a gift from the Father.

Today I ask you to join me in praying for the repose of the soul of George Floyd and for his family, for those affected by the outcome of the trial and for all those experiencing the pain of racism and for those in authority who have to power to change it. May we all recognize our unity as sons and daughters of God and work to restore the perfect image of God in our world as He created it.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of those who cry to you and Mother who alleviates our sufferings, may you continue to carry us in your embrace and guide us ever closer to your Son.

We join Archbishop Hebda and the people of Minneapolis/St. Paul in praying for all involved in this tragic situation:

Statement of Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of Minneapolis and St. Paul:

The verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer now convicted on all counts as a result of his role in the death of George Floyd last spring, is a sobering moment for our community. The decision by a jury of peers punctuates the grief that has gripped the Twin Cities in these last months and underscores the soul-searching that has taken place in homes, parishes, and workplaces across the country as we together confront the chasm that exists between the brokenness of our world and the harmony and fraternity that our Creator intends for all his children.

We hold up once again the image of the Crucified Christ, whose resurrection gives witness to the healing power of forgiveness, compassion, reconciliation, and peace. It is our shared brotherhood with Jesus that calls us to a deeper respect for all human life. We ask him to bring healing into our communities, comfort to the family of George Floyd and all who mourn, and satisfaction to those who thirst for justice. May the many reminders of the Lord’s loving closeness even in challenging times inspire us to treat each other with unfailing respect, to work non-violently for the common good and to be instruments of reconciliation.