At Cristo Rey, we are a family. When someone in the family hurts, we hurt, too. The outrage following the death of George Floyd inspires us to say, “Enough.” We are deeply troubled and shocked by the heartbreaking events that we witnessed in our country the past several weeks. 

    The scale of the protests over George Floyd’s death should signal that this moment must be a turning point. To dismiss the outrage as coming from ‘lawless protesters’ rather than concerned citizens is wrong. We pray for strength from a higher moral authority to stand together peacefully and non-violently.

    Now is the time to challenge our elected officials and the entire community to confront those who demean or deny others their human dignity or human rights due to the color of one’s skin. Citizens have a right to ask their leaders for equal treatment under the law.  Let us join together with those who work non-violently for racial and ethnic harmony and justice. 

    We, as a diverse family - young and old, black, brown and white, from different and similar backgrounds, experiences, and origins - join together to say, “Enough.” Our work with young people is grounded in the hope that by their right action they will guide us out of this difficult time that denies the dream of one nation with liberty and justice for all.  Cristo Rey Kansas City stands in solidarity with people of good will throughout our country who are raising their voices against inhumane treatment of our brothers and sisters. 

    May we continue our journey, hearing the command of Jesus, ”to love one another.”  As family, let us hold each other’s hand, as we pray, as we yearn for reconciliation, as we raise our voices to proclaim, “Without justice, there is no peace.” NOW Is The TIME.   
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