As our nation celebrated Martin Luther King Day last week, we are reminded of the work of Dr. King in the Civil Rights Movement, bringing together people from all walks of life to peacefully take a stand for the rights of all.
Of course, Dr. King faced adversity and hate; but time and again he responded with non-violence. As he once said, “Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.”
We are all certainly aware of the tensions in our world, and admittedly I have been troubled by much of what I’ve seen with the actions of some causing violence in recent weeks towards law enforcement officials, and even ordinary citizens trying to simply live their lives.
It is no secret that there is enhanced federal enforcement from federal law enforcement officers in the state. This has resulted in numerous people with extensive criminal history. This has led some to express opposition to immigration law as it is being enforced.
The right to speak our minds is a cornerstone of what we believe, but there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. Tensions run high on all sides with so much emotion, so how can we, as Dr. King also said, “learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools?”
For one, I think it’s important to respect law enforcement. I’m so grateful for law enforcement at the local, state and federal level. These are not politicians. They are there to enforce the laws the state and local governments have passed. It is heartbreaking and angering to see people harass and attack members of the law enforcement community. There is no excuse for it, and they make our country safer whether they are local, state or federal officers. We should thank them for all they do and pray for them too. We have many law enforcement families involved in our parish – to all of them know of my prayers and gratitude.
Secondly, violence is never acceptable, but it’s enabling must also be condemned. As I write this, I’ve seen footage of a mob enter a house of worship, a Baptist Church in Minneapolis, and others attacked and harassed in Minneapolis in particular, not to mention the violence against officers. This is never a way to get your point across. But we also need to take a stand and say we condemn this too rather than make excuses for agitators.
Third, we need to learn to argue, not shout. We all have anger. But the deadly sin is wrath when it’s unchecked. No matter what your position on an issue, we need to make our points calmly and lay them out. But before we do that, we need to research issues too, especially where faith and morals interact. Immigration is complicated for instance; we want to be open to immigrants, but also a nation has a right to a border and not having undue burdens on its citizens. Saints like Thomas Aquinas have also written on immigration, along with many other issues. What we find is that the Church rarely speaks to a specific policy unless we are talking about direct threats to life (eg abortion). This is why it’s important to do our homework.
We also have to make “coexist” not just a bumper sticker. No matter what your political views, one should feel safe expressing them without having to pass a litmus test to enter a business or be in a certain part of town.
And lastly, we make our voice heard, not through violence, or directing anger at a law enforcement officer there to enforce laws already passed, but by voting, contacting officials through letters, or going to the party caucus (which take place next week on February 3rd).
Dr. King joined with people from all political parties and faiths to work peacefully for change, may we strive to follow his example as we work to stand up for what we believe in.
Have a blessed week,
Fr. Paul
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January 25, 2026