To the reverend priests, deacons, and to the faithful in the Diocese of St. Peter in California, United States of America,

“To the Church of God in Corinth in San Diego, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints… in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord: grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:1–3)

With these words of the Apostle Paul, I address you in this exceptional and painful situation through which your beloved diocese is passing.

I ask you, as we are in the time of the Lent, not to allow division and discord, nor to give place to voices lying in wait to attack our Church, rather, I ask you to unity and harmony with a living conscience and a compassionate, faithful heart, far from the spirit of revenge or vindictiveness. Let the legal procedures take their course in revealing the truth and upholding justice. I assure you that I stand with justice, and for this reason I am in communication with the Holy See, hoping that the proper measures will soon be taken for the good of the diocese.

I had wished to come to you and stand beside you, but the current troubling and frightening circumstances in the region do not allow me to do it, it could in the future. For now, cooperate with Father Sabri Kijbo, the Vicar General, and His Excellency Bishop Francis Kalabat, who is present among you, in order to calm hearts and follow the proper path in the legal procedures.

“And peace and mercy be upon those who follow this rule… peace and mercy upon those who follow this rule… The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Galatians 6:16–17)

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako