I join my brother bishops of Texas — and those across the United States — in solidarity with Bishop Michael Sis and the people of Midland and Odessa who are recovering from the aftermath of yet another senseless, unimaginable shooting spree yesterday, which has left seven people dead and more than 20 wounded. The youngest victim is only 17-months-old. That this has occurred less than a month after the brutal killings in El Paso and Ohio heightens our pain and feelings of overwhelming sadness, frustration, and yes, even anger. We pray for these innocent victims and their families and the brave first responders whose actions assuredly saved many more lives. I stand with Bishop Sis, Bishop Mark Seitz (both the Diocese of San Angelo and the Diocese of El Paso are within the Province of the Archdiocese of San Antonio), as well as Cardinal Daniel Di Nardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in calling for national action at the governmental level to address the primary causes of these unprecedented levels of violence. These appalling acts cannot become so commonplace that they no longer shock our senses. We need movement forward, not more rhetoric, at this time of crisis, and Catholics are ready to lead dialogue and activity at this perilous period in our nation’s history. The country needs the Church!
Statement of Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS, concerning shootings in Midland and Odessa
