When I announced our comprehensive anti-violence initiative last year I noted that ending the epidemic of violence would take many hands and minds, but that just because we could not do everything in the urgent time frame an epidemic requires, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do something. It is irresponsible to just shrug and declare the problem insolvable.

Our Scripture readings this night summon us to have the courage to walk together, but also to turn around and follow a new path opened by God. Just looking out over this assembly with leaders from other faith communities gives me that God-inspired courage and fills me with joy. We share the conviction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that each of our faith traditions must be ever ready to purify whatever holds us back from pursuing justice.

Welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael Symeonides of Chicago as he is enthroned today at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation.

The governor’s decision to veto a bill that would have required firearms dealers to be licensed by the state is deeply disappointing. No one believes that this or any one bill can be a comprehensive solution to the plague of violence afflicting our nation, but licensing these dealers, would have been one step in the journey toward making our state safer.

Last week, we watched the Senate fail to protect young immigrants affected by the uncertain future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which is set to end on March 5.

For the eighteenth time in this short new year, we must join in prayer and sorrow at an act of madness carried out in what should be a safe haven, an American school. These victims have been robbed of their futures, but so have their parents, classmates and our nation.

Commander Paul Bauer lost his life today protecting the people of our great city. He is a husband, father, son, brother, friend, police officer and hero.

Yet again, we are brought to our knees in prayer and pain as we consider the horrors of gun violence—children struck down, apparently by other children—limitless potential cut short, families seized by grief. We used to call these heinous acts “unimaginable.”

Once again we must extend our condolences to families suffering the horrific loss of loved ones to an act of madness. It would dishonor those lost and those who mourn to simply participate in the routine exchange of sympathies underpinned by the sense of futility and hopelessness that has befallen our country.

Once again we must reach out in shock and horror to comfort the victims of a mass shooting in our country. We offer our prayers and our deep sympathy to all those affected by this senseless act of violence. We are grateful to the first responders and others who aided the victims and helped moved people to safety.