our response to the events in Charlottesville, Virgina

As Sisters of St. Joseph, agrégées and associates, we embrace the Gospel values of respect for the dignity of all persons and we advocate for non‐violent, peaceful resolution of differences.  We are deeply troubled by the events that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia; we grieve with the community of Charlottesville and the families of the victims.

The alarming growth and increased activities of various hate groups throughout our country are contrary to both our religious and civic values. We stand in solidarity with the Leadership Conference for Women Religious (LCWR), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), faith leaders, organizations, and citizens who condemn acts of hatred and violence fueled by racism or any form of intolerance. 

As people of faith, we are dedicated to equality and the belief that all people are created in the image of God. We pray for and work to encourage love and unity among all people, to embrace diversity, and to eradicate racism in our world.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania is a congregation of vowed religious women, agrégées and associates who minister in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania. We were founded in LePuy, France in 1650 and arrived in the Erie Diocese in 1860. The congregation is part of The U.S. Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph composed of more than 4,203 sisters, 25 agrégées, and 3,032 associates, with NGO status in the United Nations.