HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, released the following message on the arson incident at the Pennsylvania Governor’s residence:
The shocking arson attempt at the Governor’s residence early Sunday morning is a heinous act that not only endangered the lives of Governor Josh Shapiro and his family but also struck at the very heart of our shared values as a society. In turning himself in to authorities, the suspected arsonist said hatred was a motivation for his actions.
I want to unequivocally state that all forms of hate are unacceptable. They have no place in our hearts, our homes, or our communities. Such acts of violence and intolerance threaten the fabric of our society and undermine the principles of love, respect, and understanding that all people of faith are called to embody.
As Catholics, we must be committed to the eradication of any form of hatred, including antisemitism. I am saddened that any form of political violence, let alone violence that is motivated by an attempt to suppress or intimidate a family because of their religion, is found in our community – especially at this time that is so sacred to our Jewish brothers and sisters and also to all of us as Christians as we celebrate Holy Week. Our prayers are with the Shapiro family and their guests, whose faithful observance of the sacred tradition of their faith was grievously violated by this act. We Christians must stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in all circumstances, but especially this year as the observance of the days of Passover coincides with the most sacred days of the Christian Liturgical calendar, Holy Week, the week leading us to our Easter celebration.
I call on all our Catholic faithful in the Diocese once again to be men and women of communion. Extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to those whose faith tradition, race or ethnicity is different from our own. Together, we can stand against hate and create an environment where love and acceptance thrive and the God-given dignity of every person is respected.
As we pray for the Shapiro family and all those affected by this incident, let us also pray for the courage to confront hate in all its forms. May our actions reflect the love that binds us together and may we be instruments of peace in a world that desperately needs it.
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Bishop of Harrisburg
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The Diocese of Harrisburg was established on March 3, 1868. It has 88 parishes, 6 missions, 2 communities, 33 Catholic schools, and is home to approximately 201,000 registered Catholics throughout its 15 counties. To learn more about the Diocese and its ministries, visit www.hbgdiocese.org.
