Lenten campaign 2026
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Recent acts of violence in the United States are the result of a society that has turned its back on God, human dignity, and the family, said a September 10 statement from Bishop Michael Burbidge, and Americans must work to uphold the "central goods" of political life as they move forward.
"As Americans, we are witnesses in just the past few weeks to a vicious pattern of political and social disorder. At Annunciation Catholic Parish in Minneapolis, the killings of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, two innocent children. In Charlotte, the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska."
"And now the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, known for his commitment to civil and rational discourse," said Burbidge.
Burbidge is the bishop of Arlington, Virgina, located outside of Washington, D.C.
"We entrust each of these victims to God, our Heavenly Father and author of every human life, and his son Jesus Christ, the reason for our supernatural hope," said Bishop Burbidge.
These acts of violence, said the bishop, are "a vicious pattern of hatreds rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of the family."
It is "only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order" that this pattern can be disrupted.
"We are living through a perilous moment," said Burbidge.
"Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law, and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families, and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters."
Utah bishop
Kirk was shot and killed at an event in Utah and the bishop of Salt Lake City, Bishop Oscar Azarcon Solis, responded with a post, that was then shared by the US bishops.
“My heart goes out to the family of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed today at Utah Valley University. I will pray for the repose of his soul. I am also praying for all who were affected, especially those who were present at the event on campus, the many people who admired Mr. Kirk, and most particularly his family.
“Meanwhile, I continue to pray for all the victims of gun violence throughout the years and their families. It is appalling that senseless acts of violence such as this continue to occur. It seems that our society has lost the sense of the sanctity of life, and I pray that our government will undertake appropriate measures to stop these horrible crimes.”
Bishop Barron
High-profile Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, recounted on X that he first met Kirk a few years ago when he was visiting Phoenix.
"He reached out and invited me to breakfast. I was deeply impressed by him that day. He was a man of great intelligence, considerable charm, and real goodness of heart," said Barron.
The bishop explained that Kirk was about to appear as "a guest on my interview program, 'Bishop Barron Presents.'" Kirk, an Evangelical Christian, was outspoken about his faith.
"He was scheduled to come to Rochester, Minnesota in about 10 days," said Barron. Just two days ago, "he texted me and told me how much he appreciated what I said and then added, 'I’m excited to join you on your show soon. God bless you.'"
"That last sentence shows what was most important to Charlie. He was indeed a great debater and also one of the best advocates in our country for civil discourse, but he was, first and last, a passionate Christian," said Barron.
"I know I’m joining millions of people around the world in praying that he rests now in the peace of the Lord."
Among others, Green Bay's Bishop David Ricken also commented on X.
