PRESS RELEASE FROM: Catholic Apostolic Church in North America

Contact: Fr. Michael Ellis, Chancellor
175 Fairway Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403
(800) 603-0644 ext. 705
[email protected]
www.cacina.org
Date: March 29, 2023


Statement on the Murders at Covenant Presbyterian School

We proclaim the Gospel of God’s inclusive love in the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America (CACINA). As chief teachers, sanctifiers, and shepherds of God’s people, it is our duty as Bishops to speak out against all forms of violence toward God’s people; we encourage, even implore all of God’s people to do the same. We remind our readers that Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

As we grieve and mourn the murder of Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, all nine-years-old, and also Cynthia Peak, 61, Katherine Koonce, 60, and Mike Hill, 61, we are mindful that, according to Gun Violence Archive, this is the 129th mass shooting of 2023 in the United States of America. How long, O Lord?

We are mindful that Senators and Representatives in Congress have the power to put a stop to the madness of gun violence and the murder of our children when they are at school, yet there is a sick propensity for these lawmakers to protect and even expand the right to own and carry any kind of gun one chooses over and above the life of our children. How long, O Lord?

We, the CACINA College of Bishops, call on all those in power to immediately take action to implement laws for sensible, national gun ownership reform and to implement a full ban on production and possession of assault rifles. How long, O Lord?

We will wait in deep spiritual hope, as the Prophet Isaiah says, “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint.” We shall, indeed, continue to demand action from our government as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.


Most Rev. Michael Theogene, OSB, Presiding Bishop
Most Rev. Francisco Bentancourt, FCR
Most Rev. Anthony W. Green, FCR
Most Rev. Monica Kennedy
Most Rev. Anthony Santore, FCR, retired
Most Rev. Willard Schultz, retired
Most Rev. Ronald Stephens, retired

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