{"id":1915,"date":"2013-01-03T09:05:00","date_gmt":"2013-01-03T09:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.catholicnewsagency.com\/news\/bishops-call-for-cultural-changes-after-newtown-shooting\/"},"modified":"2013-01-03T09:05:00","modified_gmt":"2013-01-03T09:05:00","slug":"bishops-call-for-cultural-changes-after-newtown-shooting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2013\/01\/bishops-call-for-cultural-changes-after-newtown-shooting\/","title":{"rendered":"Bishops call for cultural changes after Newtown shooting"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

Newtown, Conn., Jan 3, 2013 \/ 02:05 am (CNA\/EWTN News<\/a>).- Disturbing trends of violence in society should prompt both policy examinations and cultural changes, said committee leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.<\/p>\n

\t\u201cIt is time for our nation to renew a culture of life in our society,\u201d said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif., Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend.<\/p>\n

\tThe prelates, who lead the U.S. bishops' committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Communications; and Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, respectively, released a Dec. 21 statement responding to a recent mass shooting.<\/p>\n

\tThey urged a re-consideration of national firearm policies, mental health treatment availability and violence in the entertainment industry, as well as broader efforts to restore the value that society places on human life.<\/p>\n

\tOn Dec. 14, a gunman identified as 20-year-old Adam Lanza opened fire on teachers and students at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. He killed 27 people \u2013 including his mother and 20 elementary school students \u2013 before taking his own life.<\/p>\n

\tOffering a message of comfort and peace, the bishops extended their prayerful solidarity to all those affected by the \u201chorrific evil.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\u201cNo words can capture your suffering,\u201d they acknowledged. \u201cWe look to Christ, his words and deeds, and ultimately to his Cross and Resurrection. It is in Jesus that we place our hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tTo counter such violent acts, America\u2019s elected leaders should consider reasonable limits on firearms that do not infringe upon people\u2019s rights, the bishops said. While they acknowledged that \u201cthe intent to protect one's loved ones is an honorable one,\u201d they added that \u201cguns are too easily accessible.\u201d
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tThe bishops reiterated the call made in their 2000 statement, \u201cResponsibility, Rehabilitation and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice,\u201d for legislation aimed at protecting society \u201cfrom the violence associated with easy access to deadly weapons including assault weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tThe voiced their support for the \u201csensible regulations of handguns,\u201d such as \u201cmeasures that control the sale and use of firearms\u201d and efforts to prevent their unauthorized use.<\/p>\n

\tThe bishops also encouraged an evaluation of the impact that violent movies and video games have on the culture.<\/p>\n

\tEntertainers should recognize that when their products glorify violence, they also \u201cprey on the insecurities and immaturity of our young people,\u201d they said.
\n\t\u00a0
\n\t\u201cSuch portrayals of violence have desensitized all of us,\u201d they added, stressing that society must acknowledge the \u201cemotional, psychological and spiritual effects\u201d that these entertainment products have on people.<\/p>\n

\tIn addition, the bishops highlighted the need to address society\u2019s treatment of those with mental illnesses. Recognizing the \u201cpervasive role of addiction and mental illness in crime,\u201d they encouraged reflection on social fears and prejudices toward those with special mental health needs.<\/p>\n

\tEmphasizing the importance of sensitivity and support, they also urged the removal of \u201cburdensome healthcare policies\u201d that prevent those in need from receiving help.<\/p>\n

\t\u201cThere is no shame in seeking help for oneself or others,\u201d they said, \u201cthe only shame is in refusing to provide care and support.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tThe bishops called on Catholics and \u201call people of goodwill to help bring about a culture of life and peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\t\u201cThe events in Newtown call us to turn to our Lord in prayer and to witness more profoundly Christ's perfect love, mercy and compassion,\u201d they stressed. \u201cWe must confront violence with love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Newtown, Conn., Jan 3, 2013 \/ 02:05 am (CNA\/EWTN News).- Disturbing trends of violence in society should prompt both policy examinations and cultural changes, said committee leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.<\/p>\n

\t“It is time for o…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1031,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1915","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-us"],"yoast_head":"\nBishops call for cultural changes after Newtown shooting<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Newtown, Conn., Jan 3, 2013 \/ 02:05 am (CNA\/EWTN News).- Disturbing trends of violence in society should prompt both policy examinations and cultural changes, said committee leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “It is time for o...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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