Social Justice Statements

Home > Ministries > Social Justice Statements
The Sisters recognize racism as a social sin in which all people take part and that "every sin has repercussions on the whole human family.” (Pope John Paul ll)
The Sisters recognize racism as a social sin in which all people take part and that "every sin has repercussions on the whole human family.” (Pope John Paul ll)
The Sisters acknowledge the rich contribution made by immigrant people and decry the unjust treatment they endure.
The Sisters acknowledge the rich contribution made by immigrant people and decry the unjust treatment they endure.
The Sisters ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence, the regulation of firearms, and the monitoring and control of messages of hate.
The Sisters ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence, the regulation of firearms, and the monitoring and control of messages of hate.
The Sisters believe human trafficking in all its forms is a denial of the presence of Christ in all of us.
The Sisters believe human trafficking in all its forms is a denial of the presence of Christ in all of us.

A litany prayer for Israel Gaza (Shared from Leadership
Conference of Women Religious)

(your response will be Lord, hear our prayer)

1. Lord, You said “Peace, be still,” and the storm was stilled.

We confess that at times, we feel overwhelmed by the storm. But today, we lift our eyes to you — the Maker of heaven and earth. And we ask for a miracle… let your peace fill Israel and Gaza.
We lift our prayer to you and say
All: Lord, hear our prayer

2. God, let violence cease in the region. Let there be no more bloodshed. We know your heart breaks for those killed and those left behind — for the orphaned child, the injured elderly, those abducted and families desperate for safety. Lord, speak into this crisis.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer

3. We pray for those who have lost loved ones. Let your peace and love wash over them. Please protect and provide for those who have been abducted and bring them home safely. Let them be reunited with their loved ones — let them feel the comfort of their embrace.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer

4. God, we pray that you open doors that allow food, essentials and medical supplies to reach those in need. May first responders be able to rescue the injured, comfort the grieving and help rebuild many lives.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer

5. God, we pray for your peace and reconciliation to overcome conflict. We ask that you give wisdom and discernment to our global leaders and those in positions of power who have the ability to impact the course of this war. Help us to be bold advocates and agents of peace in our own communities.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer

6. We pray for people scattered around the globe whose friends and family members have been caught in the crisis. We know you are with them. Help us to express your love to those affected in our communities, churches and workplaces.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer

7. Lord, we raise Israel and Gaza to you, and pray for those suffering. We ask that you provide peace in this crisis, and protection and comfort for all those who have been impacted.
We lift our prayer to you,
And say
All: Lord, hear our prayer AMEN.

 

Sisters' Response to the Tragedy in Christchurch, New Zealand

March 18, 2019

The Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has occurred in the mosques of Christchurch, New Zealand. We join our voices with those of so many others offering prayerful support for our Muslim brothers and sisters, for those killed, for the injured, their families and friends, and for those caring for all affected by this traumatic violence both in Christchurch and around the world.

As Benedictines committed to peace, we recognize that prayer is the catalyst to action and ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence, the regulation of firearms, and the monitoring and control of messages of hate. We call on leaders who have the power and authority to make these changes to do so now so that this type of violence may never occur again.

Peace, Salaam.

Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress
St. Scholastica Monastery

Response to Gun Violence in Florida by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery

February 16, 2018

 

As Benedictines committed to peace, we recognize that prayer is the catalyst to action and ask that all who value the non-violent path hear the voices of those affected calling for an end to gun violence and the regulation of firearms.

We affirm the statement of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (see below), and join with others who call for the regulation of firearms including the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Council of Churches, and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence.

May the cries of those affected by this tragedy move the leadership of our country to make the changes needed so this type of violence may never be experienced again.

Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress
St. Scholastica Monastery

Sisters' Response to Anti-Trans Violence

November 21, 2022

Over the weekend, the Q Club, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, suffered a brutal attack on the eve of Transgender Awareness Day, a day to honor and recognize those individuals who have fallen to senseless anti-trans violence.

We grieve with those who are affected by this horrific act of violence. These types of actions, including the recent violence in our schools and universities, continue to erode the safety and dignity that we, as a human family, should all share.

The Duluth Benedictines continue to affirm the 2013 statement of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses: “As Benedictine monastic women we stand united in a 1500-year tradition, rooted in Gospel values of peace and non-violence. Our Benedictine way of life requires us not only to be people of peace but also to foster peace in the society around us. That peace is based on right relationships and mutual respect. Any violation of the rights and integrity of people, of the land, and of the environment is an act of violence.”

We denounce the recent violence that has impacted so many communities in our world and we extend our support and prayers for those who are suffering today. We pray that those injured may heal and that families and friends will be able to help each other through these tragedies.

Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress, St. Scholastica Monastery

St. Scholastica Monastery endorses the Catholic Climate Declaration

June 14, 2018

We endorse the Catholic Climate Declaration as a public expression of support in solidarity with the Catholic community in the United States for action to address climate change.

The Declaration:

  • reflects the Church’s long-standing moral basis for the care of God’s creation, as integral to our care for the life and dignity of all people in our one human family;
  • calls for action on climate change, which threatens our common home and future, and impacts our poor and vulnerable neighbors the most;
  • is an act in prayerful solidarity with the We Are Still In campaign, the largest and most diverse coalition of organizations across American civil society, calling for climate action and U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement;
  • is organized by Catholic Climate Covenant and supported by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

   

With the Catholic Climate Declaration, the U.S. Catholic community:

  • Demonstrates faithful commitment to climate action, consistent with Catholic social teaching that calls upon us to care for our poor and vulnerable neighbors, and to care for creation, so that all people may thrive.
  • Articulates the most significant expression of support for climate action by the Catholic Church in the United States since Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’ in 2015. The Catholic Climate Covenant will announce the number of declaration signatories on June 18, 2018, the third anniversary of Laudato Si’.

You can go the website listed below for more information about the Declaration:

http://www.catholicclimatecovenant.org/catholic-climate-declaration

Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP)
Statement regarding Immigration

In the spirit of the Gospel and the inspiration of St. Benedict we, as members of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses (CBP), representing more than 1,100 Sisters, commit ourselves to Christ-like hospitality.  Therefore, we call upon our leaders, especially governors, state legislators, members of the United States Congress, and our president to reconsider proposed immigration policies and to work towards solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all people.  We urge them to create pathways to citizenship for immigrants, provide humane treatment for those in detention, and ensure that immigrant families are not torn apart.  In addition, we commit ourselves to work with other organizations who are advocating and caring for migrant peoples.

As Benedictine sisters, we are inspired by the life and teachings of St. Benedict. In the sixth century time when he lived, travelers and pilgrims were often met with violence on the road and sought refuge in his monasteries. Benedict was inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ to receive all who came seeking refuge. He modeled his life on that of Christ who received the poor, the lame, the outcast, and the stranger.

St. Benedict quoted Jesus who said, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). For centuries, men and women have continued to be inspired by St. Benedict’s example of Christ-like hospitality and his teaching that all people who present themselves are to be received as Christ. May we and all people, in our time, do the same.

Rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ and animated by over 130 years of official Catholic social teaching, the Duluth Benedictines of St. Scholastica Monastery unequivocally uphold the inherent dignity of every human person and invite all persons of good will to mutual cooperation for the common good.

 

Approved by CBP – February 2, 2025

Approved by Duluth Benedictines – February 12, 2025

 

 

In March of 2013, the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses approved social justice statements on gun violence and human trafficking. In February 2017, they added statements on racism and immigration.

These can be read by clicking on the links below each prayer.

A heartfelt thanks to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica for allowing us to use their artwork and prayers.

Prayer to End Racism

Read Social Justice Statement on Racism

Prayer for Migrants & Refugees

Read Social Justice Statement on Immigration and Refugees

A Prayer for the End of Human Trafficking

Read Social Justice Statement on Ending Human Trafficking

A Prayer to End Gun Violence

Read Social Justice Statement on Ending Gun Violence

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

“Listen carefully, my child, to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart. Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father's advice, that by the labor of obedience you may return to Him from whom you had departed by the sloth of disobedience.”
–St. Benedict of Nursia, The Rule of Saint Benedict