The Sisters of Charity of New York stand in solidarity with all who are enraged and distressed by the cruel and senseless killing of George Floyd.
This action, committed in fewer than nine minutes by a professional police officer, a man entrusted to uphold the law and provide crucial assistance to the people of Minneapolis, has raised national issues of racism and uncontrolled brutality on the part of some members of law enforcement. Mr. Floyd’s unheeded desperate plea, “I can’t breathe,” strikes a deep chord of angry indignation within us. Racism and violence are inherent in our past. It cannot be part of our present lives or our future vision.
We continue to support and promote free speech across our country. Peaceful demonstrations help us focus our energies and strengthen our resolve for change. During the past week, we have witnessed the reprehensible expansion of protests by people planning destruction and looting. Our lament cannot and should not be expressed in ways that are harmful or destructive to life and property.
As women religious, we stand with Pope Francis, who has condemned racism and street violence, and urged reconciliation. We also support the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops who ask, “How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?”
We, the Sisters of Charity of New York, are committed to the love of God and others, based on the principles of justice, truth, and respect. We consider the diversity of people in our city, our nation, and our world as the expansiveness of God’s gift of creation. In our families and communities, racism must give way to awareness, respect, and gratitude, especially for people of color.
It’s disappointing you chose to ignore the actions of our President who used religious monuments to stoke violence
Thank you, dear Sisters of Charity, for your comments and standing in solidarity with the protesters who ask for justice for all. This is 400 years in the making — slavery, Jim Crow, deprivation of every kind — poor everything — nutrition, housing, jobs, education — so much pain and hardship put upon our black and brown brothers and sisters for hundreds of years — all because of the color of their skin! We are two nations — one enriched — the other deprived of normalcy,
Every white, moral, human being must truly understand the enormous deprivation we have put upon our magnificent black people. We are all responsible for that. We must now do all in our power to help them and to give justice to them.
As an 86 year old white Catholic working for social justice all my life, I hope every Catholic begins to confront his/her racism and works for justice so that the Gospel message of Jesus Christ will live in our nation.
You, dear Sisters, have always set a wonderful example. Hopefully your message today to inspire more people to examine their lives and understand the reality that Black Lives Matter.
The loss of a life – the murder of a man – racism show in in violence and murder by one sworn to protect lives not execute them. Nine minutes with a knee on George Floyd’s neck, obstructing his ability to breathe and with him crying out, “I can’t breathe!”. Consider how long nine minutes is because there was ample time for the officer to come to his senses and release the pressure that killed Mr. Floyd. Time to have saved his life.
in nine minutes, you could watch the passing of two subway trains during rush hour with time for a coffee
In nine minutes, you can make hard-boiled eggs, make toast and finish them both for breakfast
In nine minutes you can watch 36 TV commercials
In nine minutes The Lord’s Prayer can be recited 18 times
In nine minutes, CPR can be started.
Plenty of time for the officer to have simply removed his knee.
I have 5 adopted children. My eldest is 34 .She is AA. My 23 and 26 year olds were born in Africa. My only son is 17. Both his bio parents are from India. My youngest daughter is also 17..She is Hispanic. I am accustomed to to prejudice and stares mostly by adults. I never gave it any power over our life’s plans. But things feel very different these days..I am afraid for them. And I am experiencing fear for the first time.. I don’t feel we are safe anymore. I feel for these recent families who have had their family member taken away. I never second guessed my adoptions but now I wonder.
Please keep us in your prayers.
MaryEllen, I’m not really much of a prayer person and frankly not too religions either and I’m not a Catholic. I’m here because tragedy in my life brought me back to remembered goodness and strong women – the SCNY. I will pray for you and your loved ones and will do it with sincerity and hope for protection for you and your precious ones.
I am proud to be a part of a group, so clear in its values and articulate in the expression of the current situation.
George Floyd is smiling down on the world from Heaven for he wanted to make a difference in life and he sure has. Forgive me if what im saying is wrong but his death was not in vain because of his death there will be justice.
Thank you for calling us to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who seek justice, respect and equality. Watching the video of George Floyd pleading for the breath of life was painful. May that memory bring me to a deeper sensitivity and help me to “see” the reality that black persons and people of color face in their daily lives. And, for all of us, may the power of the Spirit enlighten the way to address systemic racism. May we all experience the breath of the Spirit flowing through us giving us the fullness of Life! As I pray for George Floyd and the countless others who have lost their lives, I ask that they pray for us in our struggle to create a better world where justice, truth and love reign.
Is there a reason you are not explicitly stating that black lives matter?
I applaud all that you do and stand for but why not mention that “black lives matter” which is the bigger and most prominent issue at this point in time. You clearly care but tiptoe around the matter at hand!