Bishops See 9/11 Anniversary As Time To Put Aside Differences, Urge Spirit Of Unity To Renew Nation, World

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic bishops are calling on their fellow Americans to see the tenth anniversary of 9/11 as a time to remember the sacrifices, to face today’s challenges together, and to renew our nation and world.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic bishops are calling on their fellow Americans to see the tenth anniversary of 9/11 as a time to remember the sacrifices, to face today’s challenges together, and to renew our nation and world.

The bishops’ message was outlined in a statement from Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“We reverently recall those who were most directly affected by this tragedy—those who died, were injured or lost loved ones,” Archbishop Dolan said.

“We resolve today to reject hatred and terrorism. The greatest resource we have in these struggles is faith.”

“We remain resolved to reject extreme ideologies that perversely misuse religion to justify indefensible attacks on innocent civilians, to embrace persons of all religions, including our Muslim neighbors, and we welcome refugees seeking safely. We steadfastly refrain from blaming the many for the actions of a few and insist that security needs can be reconciled with our immigrant heritage without compromising either one.”

He also made special note of the sacrifices of the armed forces and called for “a responsible end to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Archbishop Dolan stressed the need to stand together as one people as Americans did on September 11, 2001.

“As we face today’s challenges of people out of work, families struggling, and the continuing dangers of war and terrorism, let us summon the 9/11 spirit of unity to confront our challenges. Let us pray that the lasting legacy of 9/11 is not fear, but rather hope for a world renewed.”

The statement, “A Time for Remembrance, Resolve and Renewal: Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of 9/11” can be found at https://www.usccb.org/resources/statement-tenth-anniversary-911

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Keywords: 9/11, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. USCCB, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, immigrants, Muslim