Dear Siena Community,
Peace and every good.
Since the results of last Tuesday’s presidential election became known, many have expressed a wide variety of emotions and reactions. Amidst the fears and concerns of some, the joy of victory for others, the distress and the “what if” speculation, it is a time when all of us should pause, step back, and consider what we might learn from our most recent election cycle. It has much to reveal to us about who we are and where we are as a nation, not only in theory but in practice.
A core value and key priority of Siena College’s recently developed Strategic Plan challenges us as a community to aspire to be not only diverse and inclusive, but also and perhaps more importantly, to be respectful and caring toward one another. It is a challenge that invites us, regardless of our gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, political leanings, or status to welcome the other, to listen respectfully to the hopes and fears, the joys and anxiety of the other, to enter into a dialogue that seeks mutual understanding, not judgment; to search together for policies and practices that work to ensure the good of all, not just the few who have power and/or privilege; to offer the gifts of our knowledge, our capacity to love, and our freedom to choose so we might channel our passion and energy into building a more just, peaceful and humane society, and to move forward as “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
Our experience of discord and distress on so many levels before and after the election challenges us to embrace, in a special way at this time, the enduring wisdom of the Franciscan tradition and, like St. Francis and St. Clare, to renew our commitment to be peacemakers—men and women who are committed to building more respectful, truthful, and caring relationships with all our brothers and sisters.
These challenging times invite us, as best we can and in whatever way we are able, to embody the enduring strengths of the American dream by seeking to build up, not tear down, striving to heal and reconcile, rather than add to the division and discord, and in the words of St. Francis, to desire to “serve one another with great humility.”
As an academic community, we are charged – and gifted – with the opportunity to host discussion groups, lectures, classes and other activities that can help provide understanding and fellowship not only for those on campus but for the wider community as well.
Sincerely yours,
Br. Ed
