Message from Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., Loyola’s president: Reflecting on the attack on the U.S. Capitol
Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., released this statement related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol:
"Yesterday, we witnessed a historic first as the president of the United States incited
an attempted coup. With ongoing illicit lies and an attempt to subvert the will of
the American people, he inspired his supporters to launch an outright attack on democracy
in action. We should be morally outraged and spurred to act.
For generations, America’s shining star has been the peaceful transition of power.
Our leaders accept the results of an election and move on to continue to work for
the good of our nation. In this situation, we found ourselves instead watching the
U.S. Capitol come under attack, with legislators sheltering in place. Even as we lose
faith in leaders, it is important to keep our faith in the Republic and the U.S. Constitution,
which has provided the largest opportunity for freedom in the history of the world.
The foundation of this extraordinary experiment that is grounded in our Constitution
was imperiled yesterday—and by our own president.
Whether this event makes us sad, angry, confused, or afraid, we should feel compelled
to consider how we can bring about greater justice and peace in our community, our
nation, and our world. As members of a Jesuit, Catholic university community, we must
actively work against the sin of racism, confronting how race and white supremacy
contributed to the way in which these events unfolded, the racist imagery, and how
law enforcement addressed the situation. In word, thought, and action, we must stand
up for strong truths and live them well.
'If you want peace,' Pope Paul VI said, 'work for justice.'
As we process this moment in history, I encourage you to keep faith in what is good
and true, hold onto hope that we can together bring about positive transformational
change, and know that each of us has a role to play in standing up for what is right
and working for greater peace and justice in our world."
The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities has released this statement.