In this time of turmoil

Many in our communities are grieving and enraged by the killing of George Floyd at the hand of a police officer. This has caused fear and suffering for many, peaceful as well as violent protests. Let us all open our hearts and minds to hear the cries of all who suffer the injuries of racism and let us pray for healing and love across our nation and world. We offer this prayer for racial healing from Catholic Charities:

God of justice, In your wisdom you create all people in your image, without exception. Through your goodness, open our eyes to see the dignity, beauty, and worth of every human being. Open our minds to understand that all your children are brothers and sisters in the same human family. Open our hearts to repent of racist attitudes, behaviors, and speech which demean others. Open our ears to hear the cries of those wounded by racial discrimination, and their passionate appeals for change. Strengthen our resolve to make amends for past injustices and to right the wrongs of history. And fill us with courage that we might seek to heal wounds, build bridges, forgive and be forgiven, and establish peace and equality for all in our communities. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

See also DignityUSA’s statement condemning systemic racism.