Wednesday, November 5, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BISHOPS CONGRATULATE BARACK OBAMA ON HISTORIC
ELECTION; URGE HIM TO DEFEND THE WEAK, HEAL DIVISIONS
WASHINGTON (www.usccb.org)
— The U.S. bishops congratulated President-elect Barack
Obama, the first African-American elected President of the United
States, and called the event "historic" and coming at a difficult
time.
"Our country is confronting many uncertainties," the bishops
said. "We pray that you will use the powers of your office to
meet them with a special concern to defend the most vulnerable
among us and heal the divisions in our country and our world.
We stand ready to work with you in defense and support of the
life and dignity of every human person."
The bishops offered their remarks in a November 4 letter to
President-elect Obama from Cardinal Francis George of Chicago,
president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The letter follows.
Dear President-elect Obama,
I write to you, in my capacity as President of the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to express our congratulations
on your historic election as President of the United States.
The people of our country have entrusted you with a great
responsibility. As Catholic Bishops, we offer our prayers
that God give you strength and wisdom to meet the coming challenges.
Our country is confronting many uncertainties. We pray that
you will use the powers of your office to meet them with a
special concern to defend the most vulnerable among us and
heal the divisions in our country and our world. We stand
ready to work with you in defense and support of the life
and dignity of every human person.
May God bless you and Vice President-elect Biden as you prepare
to assume your duties in service to our country and its citizens.
Sincerely yours,
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Archbishop of Chicago
President
