Archdiocesan Council of Religious share statement on shooting in Uvalde, Texas

The religious women of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Council of Religious have crafted a statement in response to the May 24 shooting in Uvalde, Texas where 19 children and two teachers were killed by an 18-year-old gunman who barricaded himself in a classroom. The gunman Salvador Ramos also died. The statement follows below. Provided by Presentation Sister Rosina Conrotto, director of the Office for Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese of San Francisco

We, members of the Council of Religious for the Archdiocese of San Francisco stand:

  • in solidarity with the grieving families and residents of Uvalde, Texas;
  • in solidarity with all those who have expressed outrage at the senseless murder of 19 innocent children and two teachers;
  • in solidarity with those who speak out for comprehensive gun control;
  • in solidarity with all those who speak and act non-violently;
  • and, in solidarity with all those who pray for an end to all forms of violence,

As people who believe that we are all created in the image of God, we must raise up justice, peace, and the respect of each person’s life.  We must become aware and work to change the inequities that the pandemic and the recent murders have unveiled.  We must address issues of mental illness and promote mental health.  We must provide safe environments where children can learn, worshippers can pray, shoppers can purchase and families can gather.

Working with all people of good will, we commit to acting in every way possible to bring the change that is necessary so that all of our brothers and sisters, children and adults alike, can live in the liberty and justice promised to all.  It is long past time to rededicate ourselves to building God’s beloved community.

Sister Celeste Arbuckle, SSS                                Sister Teresa Kvale, CSJ

Sister Diane Aruda, OP/MSJ                               Sister Carla Kovack, OP/SR

Sister Rosina Conrotto, PBVM                             Sister Jeanette Lombardi, OSU

Sister Mary Greenan, FMA                                  Sister Teresa Malave, VDMF

Sister Patsy Harney, RSM                                   Sister Nancy O’Shea, SNDdeN

Sister Pat Hunter, SNJM