The Archdiocese of Mobile released a statement from Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso, responding to the death of Ella Cook, a Mountain Brook woman killed while in a shooting at Brown University this weekend.
Rivituso said the university shooting, which claimed two lives, and the Australian beach shooting that killed 15 people, troubled him.
“Violence and hatred are always an affront to human dignity and can never be justified,” Rivituso stated.
Rivituso said he stands in prayerful solidarity with the victims in Australia, who were targeted because they were Jewish.
“Antisemitism is a grave sin and has no place in our society or in the human heart,” he continued. “Our Catholic faith compels us to stand firmly against hatred in all its forms and to be steadfast allies to our Jewish brothers and sisters, especially in moments of fear, pain and mourning.”
The archbishop offered prayers of comfort to Cook's family.
“I also offer my prayers for Ella Cook and for her family and friends,” he stated. “Ella, who was tragically killed at Brown University, was from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and her connection has touched many here at home. To all who grieve her loss, please know that the Catholic Church stands with you, praying for your safety, your healing and your peace."
“As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to reject violence and to work tirelessly for understanding, dialogue and reconciliation,” Rivituso added. “I urge all people of goodwill to choose words and actions that build up rather than tear down, and to recommit themselves to the sacredness of every human life.”
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