U.S bishops condemn upswing in religious hatred

By Sr. Nina Benedikta Krapić, VMZ

The conflict in Israel and Palestine has fuelled religious hatred in the United States, according to the country's conference of Catholic bishops. 

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Religious Liberty, has strongly condemned this occurence. 

“In recent days here in America, where for hundreds of years many have sought refuge from religious persecution, we have seen outbreaks of religious hatred that shock the conscience”, he warned.

He pointed in particular to the tragic killing of a six- year-old Muslim boy in Chicago, and reports that the man accused of the crime identifies as Catholic.

“Nothing could be more antithetical to our Church’s teachings than this man’s alleged crime”, he stated.

Hating neighbours is "grave sin"

Noting that many are celebrating the "brutal terrorist attacks of October 7", Cardinal Dolan said that "our Jewish brothers and sisters are reasonably afraid for their lives".

In the face of such hatred, certain fundamental truths, such as the truth that every human life is of equally incalculable worth, must be affirmed, he added.

“Hating your neighbours is a grave sin against God, who created us all in his image and likeness”, he stressed, adding that "violence only begets more violence, not justice.”

Cardinal Dolan ended his message with a call to repentance for those whose hearts have been gripped by hatred and for people of goodwill to "stand courageously for peace."