October 28, 2024

Bishop Byrne issues pastoral response to negative election tenor

REGIONAL
Staff Report

A file photo shows a roll of  “I Voted Today” stickers at a polling station in Washington. (OSV News photo/Gary Cameron, Reuters)

SPRINGFIELD –  Bishop William D. Byrne has issued an Election 2024 letter to the western Massachusetts community, expressing concern over the tenor that as resonated this election season.

In the letter issued on October 24 the bishop said, “I am deeply concerned over the divisive atmosphere and ugly rhetoric that have overtaken our nation. Many candidates and their surrogates, from both parties, have resorted to personal attacks and name-calling rather than reasonable debate and respectful discourse.”

Bishop Byrne provided three responses to this situation.  First he encourages increased prayer and daily Mass attendance. 

He goes on to caution that we all need to exercise restraint in how we speak about the elections.

“It is so easy to slip into negative and even angry dialogue, especially when you are defending something you believe in deeply,” Bishop Byrne wrote.  “Resist that temptation and take the higher ground.  This is especially important around our young people, who learn by witnessing how their elders conduct themselves.”

His final recommendation is for all eligible persons to vote, stating “one who discerns the various candidates and issues based on the richness of our Catholic moral teachings.”

Bishop told IObserve that he was encouraged to send this pastoral response by a number of priests who attended last week’s convocation.

The letter can be found in English and Spanish at www.diospringfield.org.