Welcome, Respect, and Cooperation

This afternoon, I spoke at the Police Athletic League Luncheon in Midtown Manhattan.  Here are my remarks that I released to the press today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 12, 2012

STATEMENT OF CARDINAL-DESIGNATE TIMOTHY DOLAN

In remarks at the Police Athletic League luncheon today, Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan observed:

“High on the long list of things I love about this great community would be its historic warm welcome to immigrants, refugees, and men and women of every faith – or none at all – and the embracing climate of religious and ethnic friendship.

That’s why I worry whenever any of our neighbors are harassed or attacked because of their race or creed.  Recent acts of violence against our Jewish and Islamic friends are unacceptable anywhere, particularly in a community like ours which rightly claims a long record of fostering a climate of welcome, respect, and cooperation.

We Catholics have often felt such bigotry in the past, and even some yet today, so count on us to stand with you in defending what we cherish as Americans and New Yorkers.”