“In the last 24 hours, I have been contacted by a number of people within our diocese who were greatly disturbed and unsettled, as was I, by the violence that took place at the United States Capitol. I too, watched the live video feed in disbelief of what I was seeing. I agree with the president of our United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José Gomez, who said, ‘This is not who we are as Americans ... the peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of this great nation. In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God.’ I lift my prayers for all who have been impacted and call upon all people of good will to join me in doing so.
“In recent months, we have witnessed many acts of violence and also threats of violence across our country and here in Michigan, including a plot to kidnap our governor. Disregard for the dignity of the human person, in all its forms, must be condemned and never tolerated.
“This summer, I led a holy hour and encouraged prayer and fasting for the healing of our nation. I once again call upon all the faithful to pray and fast for this healing. It is the Evil One who seeks to bring about division, to bring about turbulence in the world, to stir up discontent ... to lead people away from God and the truth and to lead our nation and world into darkness.
“I entrust all of us to the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. May she guide us in the ways of peace and heal the wounds of sin and division, so that we might truly become one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”