A statement from Archbishop Jackels about the “horrible act of terror and hate” committed in Orlando

Our Catholic faith inspires us to offer condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the horrible act of terror and hate committed in Orlando, Florida early this past Sunday morning.

We are inspired as well to offer prayers for the happy repose of the souls of all the victims of this tragedy, and for the consolations of faith for their loved ones.

We pray too for those wounded in the attack, who may be in peril of losing life or limb, and threatened with deeper spiritual and emotional wounds, that they will be restored to health and wholeness.

In the practice of our Catholic faith, we are guided by the teachings of Jesus expressed in life principles, such as respect for the dignity of every person, and respect for the common good.

Respect for human dignity begins at conception. No one ever has to earn this respect, and no one is deprived of dignity, regardless of any circumstance, such as race, religion, or sexual orientation.

And respect for the common good challenges us to find a way to uphold the Constitution while at the same time allowing for appropriate controls regarding who can buy what gun, in the hope of preventing acts of violence against innocent people.

Jesus, mercy.