The attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 horrified the nation. For Catholics, it's an impetus to strengthen our resolve to encourage peace for the common good.

Reaction

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: U.S. Bishops' President Condemns Violent Protests and Prayes for Safety as Chaos Threatens Capitol.

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, urged peace following reports of violence planned ahead of the inauguration.

Vatican: Pope was astonished by violence at the Capitol

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, of Washington, D.C., said, "... we need the Lord to cast out the spirit of evil, hatred, division, bigotry, racism (and) inequity" to end divisions. 

Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley: Falling back on the Prayer of St. Francis, he encourages us to be instruments of God's peace.

Dubuque Archbishop Michael Jackels: What would Jesus do?

Tom Quinlan, of the St. Joseph Educational Center, asks: How do we proclaim the Gospel during these challenging times?

What can we do?

We can start with looking in the mirror and considering how we treat each other in our families and communities. The Civilize It Iowa campaign provides tips and an opportunity to join a growing group of people who want to bring about positive change in their communities.