US Bishop's statement on Texas shootings

Bishop Kevin Farrell

The Bishop of Dallas, Texas, Kevin Farrell has issued a statement following the shootings which killed five police officers and injured nine others in the city, saying "the magnitude of the violence in downtown Dallas on Thursday night is staggering."

He added: "our first concern is for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic attack. The Bishop also said that, "all lives matter, whether they be black, white, Muslim, Christian, Hindu. We are all children of God and all human life is precious."

Below is full statement from the Bishop of Texas

The magnitude of the violence in downtown Dallas Thursday night is staggering. Five police officers were killed and seven other officers and two civilians were wounded in a deadly spate of gunfire at the conclusion of a peaceful march protesting recent killings of black men (by police), in Baton Rouge and Minneapolis.

Our first concern is for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragic attack. We pray for consolation and healing for both the families and those killed and wounded. We are reminded of the ever -present danger to those who are dedicated to protecting us.

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.

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.

Let us 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."

For more information see Bishop Farrell's website: http://bishopkevinfarrell.org/