“‘This all began over the terrible, tragic killing of a man, and initially the outcry against injustice, against racism, was well-placed, and I have been very supportive of the peaceful demonstrations on behalf of justice and against racism,’ . . .
‘But sadly, that’s not what this is about any more,’ he said. . .
Sample, in his video message, emphasized that as shepherd of the city’s Catholics, it is not his place to “get political” and take sides, despite requests via email and mail for him to speak out for one side or another.
Still, he said, checking the news morning after morning, and seeing every night that there was more destruction has been ‘depressing’ and ‘embarrassing.’
‘Who remembers George Floyd any more? Stop and think about that for a second,’ he said.
‘We need to speak the truth in love, and not be afraid to speak up. I think the vast majority of people don’t buy into what’s going on right now, especially with the violence and the destruction of property and
“looting.’
Catholics — and anyone, for that matter — should be outraged at the sin of racism, said Sample, but Catholics must be careful, rational and calm, and should avoid ‘virtue signaling,’ instead putting in the work to actually grow in virtue and to turn to Catholic social teaching in response to racism.”