USCCB president, local bishop lament Charleston church massacre

June 23, 2015

In the days following the massacre at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the local bishop decried the attack in separate statements.

“It is with grief and deep sadness that we learned of the tragic murder of Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney and eight members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston,” said Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, the president of the USCCB. “There have been far too many heartbreaking losses in the African-American community this year alone. Our prayers are with all those suffering from this heinous crime.”

“The Catholic community stands with all people who struggle for an end to racism and violence, in our families, in our places of worship, in our communities and in our world,” he added. “We must continue to build bridges and we must confront racism and violence with a commitment to life, a vision of hope, and a call to action.”

“I am deeply saddened by the mass murder that occurred at Emanuel AME Church,” said Bishop Robert Guglielmone. “The inside of any church is a sanctuary. When a person enters, he or she has the right to worship, pray and learn in a safe and secure environment.”

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop Kurtz Expresses ‘Grief And Deep Sadness’ Over Charleston Church Shooting (USCCB)
• Statement from Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone Regarding the Deadly Shooting at Emanuel AME Church (Diocese of Charleston)
• 9 dead in attack on South Carolina church (CWN, 6/18)