STATEMENT OF THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
OF THE DISTRICT OF EASTERN NORTH AMERICA
OF THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
We denounce the events of January 6th, 2021 at the United States Capitol, a symbol of freedom and democracy throughout the world. The actions of a violent mob were a direct attack upon our democratic process and an attempt to interfere with the recently concluded open, fair and free elections. By the grace of God and the commitment of Senators and Representatives, Congress concluded the “people’s work” of that day.
The 2020 Declaration on the Lasallian Educational Mission reminds us that “the democratic system is one of the greatest conquests of humanity.” Lasallian educators have a unique responsibility in the education of the young as “our schools cannot renounce their role in the formation of citizens capable of exercising their rights, fulfilling their duties, defending the public good, strengthening the social fabric, participating in the democratic process, being concerned about policies and politics. These citizens must possess a civic ethics that manifests itself consistently in their daily actions, by honesty, solidarity, transparency, accountability and compassionate understanding” (Declaration p. 95). These words take on a new and urgent meaning in light of the events of the past days. They remind Lasallian educators of a constitutive element of our educational mission that we cannot ignore, not if we cherish freedom and the prophetic call to participate in the creation of a just society.
We join together in prayer for the healing of our nation. We wish for the actions we take to bear testimony to the prophetic call to create a society that reflects God’s love for all. We recommit ourselves to the Gospel ideals of which we write and speak. We ask for God’s blessings on us and all our fellow citizens that we continue with zeal to work for the promotion of peace and reconciliation in our nation.
