A Pastoral Letter from the Archbishop
In the Wake of Violence
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
The past several days have been a difficult and profoundly troubling time in our national life. A school shooting in Colorado, the release of video footage of the murder of Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk have left many reeling. The violent taking of life - and in the case of Mr. Kirk, the attempt to silence by force those with whom we differ - is a profound evil.
As citizens of a different Kingdom (Philippians 3:20), our calling in these days is not to answer with bitterness or despair, but to reflect the eternal values of that Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28), embodying the hope and peace of the gospel to which we bear witness.
The Dignity of Every Human Being
Holy Scripture teaches that all people are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). This inherent dignity is not conferred by political affiliation or ideology, but by the Creator Himself - a truth recognized by our nation’s founders and enshrined in our Declaration of Independence.
Whenever violence is committed against another person, it is not only an offense against civil order but also an assault upon the very image of God and a sin against God Himself. Our Christian witness requires us to affirm, without hesitation, the worth and dignity of every human being.
A Christian Response to Violence
In times of upheaval, we are tempted toward fear, cynicism, or retaliation. Yet our Lord calls us to another way:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
We must resist the spirit of the age that delights in division and cultivates suspicion. Instead, we are called to proactively promote respect, listen with humility, and reach across divides - even to those with whom we profoundly disagree.
Violence cannot be healed by more violence; hatred cannot be driven out by hatred. Only the love of God in Jesus Christ can transform hearts and reconcile enemies.
The Only Hope We Have
Our nation’s wounds cannot be mended by politics, nor its divisions healed by human effort. Only in the cross of Jesus Christ do we find truth and hope - for the cross reveals the depth of our sin and the surpassing greatness of God’s mercy.
Christ’s resurrection assures us that evil and death will not have the final word. And the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as witnesses in our society of His kingdom of peace and righteousness.
So may we proclaim with conviction that faith in Jesus Christ is not one hope among many, but the only hope we have - the only hope our nation has - the only hope the world has.
A Call to Prayer
I urge the faithful of our Church to pray earnestly:
For all who are bereaved, persecuted, or suffering from acts of violence, that they may be upheld by the Lord’s presence and strengthened in hope.
For our nation, that peace and mutual respect may prevail over violence and hatred.
For the Church, that we may be steadfast in our witness to the gospel of peace.
Beloved, the world needs to see in us the reality of the Kingdom that cannot be shaken. May we be diligent in prayer, bold in witness, and tireless in doing good. May the Lord use us as instruments of His peace, until that day when swords are beaten into plowshares and Christ reigns over all the earth.
With my prayers and blessing, I remain
Yours faithfully in Christ,
Archbishop
Anglican Church in North America
A Collect for Our Country
BCP 2019, p.657
Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly ask you that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many nations and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth; in the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for the Human Family
BCP 2019, p.659
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.