6/13/2016  – It is with great sadness that we received the news of the dozens of people killed and wounded in Orlando Florida this past weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of those whose lives were taken and those who were wounded and maimed. We grieve with those who lost loved ones. We pray for healing, we pray for strength, we pray for comfort to all those who are suffering as consequence of this heinous act of violence.

We are shocked and horrified at the behavior of this young man who showed such wanton disregard for the sanctity of human life. The fact that he selected a place where the gay community congregate raises serous questions and concerns for the safety of our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community across the nation. The fact that most of the victims were Hispanic/Latino leads us to serious self-reflection at the perceptions and prejudices in the Latino community toward the gay community.

MARCHA condemns all acts of discrimination, hate, or violence, either in words or actions, against any person or group of persons because of their race, culture, beliefs, or sexual orientation; acts that deny the image of God with whom all human beings are created. As Christians we commit ourselves to proclaim the Good News of the gospel: that Jesus came so that ALL persons experience life in its fullness.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

For more information, contact Bishop Elias Galvan, executive director of MARCHA (galvan222@msn.com)