In this moment, I urge all of us in this church to embrace God’s call, to hear and embody the good news of Jesus Christ and to fulfill our roles as peacemakers through active civic engagement.

In these days of division and unrest, we must speak clearly: political violence is sin. It denies the image of God in our neighbor, wounds our communities, and tears at the fabric of our nation.

As people of faith, we are called to a better way—the way of Jesus, who embodied love, reconciliation, and peace.

On this Easter Monday, we join with people around the world in heartfelt grief at the death of Pope Francis, and we celebrate his life eternal in Jesus Christ.