For Immediate Release: November 9, 2016
Contact: Ashley Wilson, [email protected], 202-601-7856
WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response to the results of the 2016 election, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby Executive Director and leader of Nuns on the Bus said the following:
“My heart is broken by the results of this election. I am shocked and anguished that we have as our President-elect a man who has been so judgmental, racist, and sexist. I am horrified. Saddened. In disbelief.
This election seems to have further polarized our nation. We are split along racial, gender, religious, and economic lines. Our nation needs a President who understands he is responsible not just to his supporters or the angry “middle class,” but to the whole nation. If the 2016 election has shown us anything, it’s that the state of our union is divided, and people are wrought with fear and anger.
The bigotry and hate that has been spewed during this campaign season has been dangerous for the people of our nation. This is particularly true for people of color, women, Muslims, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and more who are often excluded. It is because of the crying needs of the many that we cannot lose hope; we cannot give up. A politics of divisiveness won the day but cannot rule our hearts.
My faith tells me that now, more than ever, we need to mend the gaps and bridge the divides among us. We know that Democracy is hard work. If anger fueled the election, we need to listen deeply to this reality, not dismiss it. The temptation is to immediately think about how we will fight back, but fighting back will only reinforce this mess we’re in. Instead, we have to fight for a vision that eases people’s fears, brings us together, and solves problems. I pray that President Trump will come to this realization and not be the same as candidate Trump.
NETWORK will continue to educate and advocate for the needs of the 100% through the transition period and the next four years.”
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NETWORK, advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters, educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a more than 40-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org
Sister Simone Campbell, SSS is available for interviews. For inquiries, contact Ashley Wilson [email protected] or 202-601-7856.
I agree that “fighting back” isn’t the way to resist the agenda of candidate Trump. However, we need to pray for the courage to resist as ou gospel faith teaches us. We are al part of the cosmic Christ and we need to play our part. Our contemplative vision will empower us to participate in action that will promote the rights of our planet and its most vulnerable members
Thank you, Sister Simone. I, too, hope “President” Trump is not the same person as Candidate Trump. You may have to drive the bus up to Trump Tower to educate him during this transition period. We have your back. Judy Stadler, WI
Peace at all costs. We must move forward. Jesus forgave the greatest sinners. President elect Trump has already said Obamacare will not be totally eliminated. We too have to realize we have many poor… black, white, … Trump won … A reality… Some of the poor did vote for him …. Take the way of Peace and not Protest… As Catholic sisters…. As one myself we are called to that…Thank you for promoting that….
As a catechist of the church, I feel a personal sense of responsibility for what went down on November 8th. According to available statistics on voting patterns, Catholic citizens played no small part in the results of this election. The same must be said of Catholic bishops, who in some cases framed the election as a moral imperative that fit only one outcome. It feels like we as a church have failed to create a culture of discernment: we no longer know how to make moral decisions, what criteria to use, how to consider the vast panorama of factors from which to discern the common good. Instead, a large number in the pews await the pointing finger from on high to part the waters and simplify the confusion. With deepened humility I admit I’ve played it too safe, staying too well within the lines to make a difference. I don’t intend to make that mistake again. After all, what can happen to a catechist: she can be fired? Any catechist who hasn’t been fired at least once, raise your hand! It’s how you know you’re effective.