Fearful that the nation is locked in a spiral of violence and discord, many Americans took what refuge they could in church on Sunday. In tiny storefronts and suburban megachurches, worshipers mourned the deaths of five Dallas police officers at the hands of an African-American sniper who was aiming to kill white officers at a demonstration against police violence. They also grieved for two African-American men killed in shootings by the police in Baton Rouge, La., and Minnesota.<\/p>\n
Some prayed for the souls of the men who pulled the triggers. Some thanked God for the sacrifices the police made daily to protect their cities. Some thanked God for the technology that allowed the world to see controversial acts of police violence toward African-Americans.<\/p>\n
At St. Patrick\u2019s Cathedral in New York, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan spoke of a country \u201cworried, frustrated and fatigued over senseless violence.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom Minnesota to Louisiana and Texas, one nation under God examines its soul,\u201d\u009d he said. \u201cSadness and heaviness is especially present in our African-American and law enforcement communities.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n