THE LOOP — In a statement titled "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind," Archbishop Blase J. Cupich, the head of the Archdiocese of Chicago, pleaded for non-violence in the wake of the deaths of five police officers in Dallas and two black men in police shootings this week.
Here is the text of Cupich's statement:
"Again we begin our day shocked by news of lives lost overnight — this time those of five police officers working to ensure the people of Dallas could assemble in a peaceful anti-violence protest.
"This latest tragedy comes directly after deaths in Louisiana and Minnesota. Every corner of our land is in the grip of terror fueled by anger, hatred and mental illness and made possible by plentiful, powerful weapons. Anyone at any time can become a victim. It is time to break the cycle of violence and retaliation, of fear and powerlessness that puts more guns in our homes and on our streets.
"Our hearts and minds need to change so our country can change.
"As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'
"Let us assemble in love to embrace the mourning and lost among us.
"Let us assemble in brotherhood to learn what unites us and put aside what divides us.
"Let us assemble in strength and keep assembling until our leaders have the courage to take the actions that will make these tragedies less likely.
"Let us pause today to remember not only these officers, but the
principle of non-violence they died protecting.
"And pledge, in their memory, to overcome hate and violence and work for peace today and every day.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: