The Most Rev. Kevin J. Farrell, Bishop of Dallas, is imploring Americans not to lose respect for one another and to remember that all lives matter because we are all children of God.

In a statement issued on Friday, Bishop Farrell called the magnitude of violence that occurred last Thursday evening in the streets of Dallas that left five police officers dead “staggering.” While our first concern must be for the families who lost loved ones in the attack which occurred during a peaceful protest over the recent shooting deaths of two black men, the increasing violence in this country must be addressed.

“We have been swept up in the escalating cycle of violence that has now touched us intimately as it has others throughout our country and the world. All lives matter: black, white, Muslim, Christian, Hindu. We are all children of God and all human life is precious,” he said.

“We cannot lose respect for each other and we call upon all of our civic leaders to speak to one another and work together to come to a sensible resolution to this escalating violence. Let us implore God our Heavenly Father to touch the minds and hearts of all people to work together for peace and understanding.”

He then urged the faithful to recall the words of Pope Francis, "May the God of peace arouse in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. Violence cannot be overcome with violence. Violence is overcome with peace."

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