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March 23, 2026

DESTRUCTION: WAR IN OUR TIME
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.

Once again, reckless, unscrupulous, and resentful politicians masquerading as heads of state take the world to the brink of chaos and untold suffering. The desire to be “unlike any other leader” fuels a fantasy that making war is a sign of manhood and strength. 

Once again, someone else’s children and loved ones will do the dirty work; untold numbers of innocent people will suffer, and all of us will live in the fear the worst is yet to come.

Weapons of destruction are not toys to be played with by those whose sense of self is distorted. The real tragedy lies with those who enable such behavior. Charged with oversight, they practice blindness instead. How very tragic for the world.

The Interfaith Communities must join with all peoples who seek decency, intelligence, restraint, and diplomacy to call out the crimes against humanity we are witnessing every day. The Interfaith Communities cannot idly stand by as irresponsible politicians and heads of state claim their aggression is sanctioned or willed by God.

Deliberately tossing diplomacy aside endangers and destroys the lives and well-being of countless people, especially children. How many more children need to be displaced, maimed, or killed before those motivated by greed, power, or revenge come to their senses? The insanity must stop.

In the name of justice and for the sake of peace, we must take account of our own actions as individuals and as a Nation. We cannot consume the world’s resources and claim we have no responsibility for the welfare of the people of the world. 

Our broken hearts demand we speak out for the sake of the voiceless and powerless. We must find that uncommon courage to work for what is just, right, true, and good.

It is long past the time to restore checks and balances, accountability, and oversight to our decision-making policies. As citizens of the world, all Nations have a responsibility to the family of humankind.

We are quickly learning the lesson of what happens when powerful people are allowed to demonize others. Oddly enough, the lack of open and honest dialogue and diplomacy results in tragedy that only dialogue and diplomacy can solve.

Beloved Community, thank you for realizing the power and responsibility you have to protest injustice, to witness to truth, to resist what is evil, and to stand up for what is right. Let us continue our work together for the benefit of all.