Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston Condemn the Violence at the Capitol

As members of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston join with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in praying for peace after witnessing the violence and terrorism 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 white nationalists participate in these despicable actions that threaten not only to destroy 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, as well as the law enforcement who helped protect and secure the building so the members could resume their responsibilities.

In our increasingly divided nation, we are saddened but not surprised by the predictable outcome of yesterday’s events. We as members of the

Federation, affirm our Gospel Charism and commitment to be a unifying presence in the world through appreciation of diversity, transformation and healing.

This moment is a time for us to pause, reflect and grapple with the history and legacy that brought us to this historic moment of white domestic terrorists attempting to take over our legislative branch. As Christians, we cannot ignore the images of the cross and flags bearing Jesus’ name that peppered yesterday’s scene. We cannot ignore the juxtaposition of the law enforcement response to yesterday’s violence at the Capitol versus the violence inflicted on Black Lives Matter protestors in June. We invite all people of good will to reflect on the next steps we must take to repair our democracy, eliminate white privilege and contribute to the work of building a more perfect union

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The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston is a community of vowed apostolic women and lay associates with a contemplative stance toward life. Their mission is to realize the prayer of Christ, “That all may be one.” They work for unity and reconciliation where there is brokenness helping people become whole and holy, individually and together. In community and prayerful contemplation, they listen to the Spirit and move always toward love of God and love of neighbor without distinction. For more information visit www.csjboston.org

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 The U.S. Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is a dynamic union of all the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the United States who claim a common origin in the foundation at LePuy, France in 1650. Today, there are over 3,500 vowed members as well as 3,025 associates and 33 agrégées in the United States. Worldwide there are over 10,749 Sisters of Saint Joseph and 4,399 associates in over 50 countries.