We, the Sisters of Charity of New York, are called to be women of healing, sensitive to the wounds of persons and the social evils of our times. We strive to use every means in our power to reconcile and bring into unity persons and groups who are alienated or divided. We share with others in a ministry of liberation from multiple forms of oppression and injustice. Thus, the Leadership Team stands with more than 1300 leaders of Catholic sisters nationwide as we make this statement:

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) joins with the world in praying for peace after witnessing the violence and lawlessness yesterday in our nation’s capital. We are deeply concerned about the state of our country and the future of our democracy. Our hearts ached as we watched these despicable actions that threaten not only to destroy the seat of our government but to rend the bonds that unite us. We commend and thank the members of Congress who courageously continued their service to the nation last night even amid the chaos.

In our increasingly divided nation, we renew our commitment to the common good and pledge to take up the challenge to use our energy to repair our democracy and contribute to the work of building a more perfect union. We invite all people of good will to join us and we call on our elected leaders to point the way.

With hearts full of hope for our beloved nation, we pray: the LORD bless you and keep you! The LORD let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Numbers 6: 24–26)

The Leadership Team