We live in a time of intense identity-based divisions along political, racial, and religious lines. We are concerned about these divisions, including the toxic levels of polarization and the targeting of specific religious, racial, and political groups in our society with violence in all its forms.

Our faith in Jesus Christ defines who we are and how we are called to act in this world. It mandates that we treat people with love and grace, whether neighbor or enemy. We recognize that many pressures tempt us to warp these commands, yet we commit to doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly. We pray unequivocally to the Father as Jesus taught us: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

God calls us to walk in Christ’s footsteps to be peacemakers—not merely peacekeepers—in a world darkened by violence and division. Peacemaking is not passive but rather an active commitment to being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, to stand up for them in word and deed. As the Apostle Paul admonished the Roman church, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.”

We feel a renewed urgency to obey that calling in accord with the Church throughout history. We desire to move toward a unity based on our shared obligations to one another, both as neighbors and as members of the body of Christ. Only then can we begin to move society away from a conflict based on worldly identities and instead toward full recognition of the dignity and worth of all humans—regardless of backgrounds—as divine image-bearers. As Jesus commanded, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

(Micah 6:8, Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 22:39-40, Luke 6:2, Matthew 5:14a,16, Matthew 22:39, Genesis 4:9-10, Matthew 5:9, Matthew 10:22, Mark 9:50, Romans14:19)