Celebrating the witness of Pope Francis
Pope Francis was a powerful witness to many of the values that Minnesota Council of Churches traditions hold dear, such as a faith lived out in solidarity with people who are poor and marginalized, a genuine love for the world, and a commitment to caring for the good Creation that God has given us to steward. We are grateful for his leadership in the global body of Christ as well as for his appointment of our partners in Minnesota, such as Archbishop Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. His reinvigorating leadership of a millenia-old church and the excitement it drew in so many, even non-Catholics, was a victory that all traditions should celebrate this Easter Season.
While Catholic judicatories are not members of the Minnesota Council of Churches, we value our past, present and future partnerships with them, and with Catholic institutions such as the University of St. Thomas, on matters of public health, creation care, interfaith events, depolarizing conflict and legislative advocacy. Our prayers are with those of our siblings in the Christian faith and people around the world of all traditions who mourn the loss, but celebrate the life, of this beloved faith leader and public theologian.
-Elder Suzanne P. Kelly, CEO, Minnesota Council of Churches