As violence engulfed Capitol Hill five years today, Catholic leaders immediately condemned what Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez — then-president of the U.S. bishops — called the “shocking and unlawful” attack.
“I join people of good will in condemning the violence today at the United States Capitol. This is not who we are as Americans,” Gomez declared, urging a return to order and praying for those in harm’s way.
He reminded the nation that the peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American democracy and pleaded that we “come together as one nation under God,” guided in peace and true patriotism.
From coast to coast, bishops echoed that appeal. Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore prayed for “peace and for God’s protection over our country, our lawmakers, and all those in harm’s way.”…