Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The political activities of the last 24 hours will have lasting significance not only for our great Nation but also for the world.  I would note that there are those who state that elections end in two categories:  winners and losers.  I believe there is a third category—winners who quickly will experience “buyer’s remorse.” The fact is that our Nation has never known elected leadership that fully mirrored or supported our Church’s teachings, especially in the realm of our ethics.  However, we must remember that the Church has worked with every administration in U.S. history and found not only areas of disagreement and discord but also areas of agreement and cooperation.  I have no doubt that regardless of who ultimately is elected President or elected into congressional leadership, our Church will continue to enter into dialog and cooperate in those areas where we can best serve not only our membership but the good people of our Nation and world.  In those areas where we cannot cooperate we will continue to be prophetic.  For these reasons, and regardless of the final election outcomes, we Catholics must sow the seeds of unity in a deeply divided Nation even as we renew our commitment to our values.  Ultimately, our vocation as followers of Jesus Christ is to be witnesses of hope for our families, communities, and world. 

May God bless you abundantly,

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger