Bishop offers statement over the ongoing Arizona shootings tragedy
Bishop Hayashi issued the following statement concerning the Arizona shootings:
Our nation was stunned when the news reported that a 22 year old man had shot and wounded Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and killed six others at a political event. Statements were issued by many of our political leaders decrying the shooting. Commentators called into question the rancor that has become normal in our political debates and campaigns. People gathered to offer prayers of support for Rep. Giffords and for the families of those who suffered injury or lost a loved one in the event. The shooting has led us to consider the condition of our ‘national soul’.
As a nation we should reflect on the state of the Union’s soul. Almost everyone to whom I have spoken about this believes that our national character has become increasingly negative and violent. We have lost the ability to have honest, truthful civil discourse. We cannot disagree without demonizing those with whom we are not in agreement. We call upon people to choose sides. We are a “house divided”.
Tragic events draw the nation together. But, it does not last. September 11th (9/11) gathered us together for a while. Within forty-eight hours after the shooting in Arizona, people were pointing fingers, assigning blame, defending or minimizing past behavior. One of Utah’s own, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, has announced that he is going to carry his gun more often.
As Christians, we need to remember that our gathering point, our center is the living Christ. Jesus is the center that holds.
As a diocese, I call upon us to pray. Pray for Rep. Giffords and the others who are wounded. Pray for those who lost loved ones and now grieve. Pray for those who are tending to the victims in our medical and legal systems and in our churches. I ask that we also pray for the apparent perpetrator. Pray for our leaders. Pray for our nation. Practice truthful, honest, civil conversation. Respect the dignity of every human being. Strive for justice and peace. And let us gather together, let us always gather together around the only center that can hold us together, Jesus.