(AP Photo)

(CNSNews.com) – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released a statement Wednesday congratulating President-elect Donald Trump and emphasizing that they look forward to working with him “to protect human life from its most vulnerable beginning to its natural end.”



Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, USCCB president, released the statement, saying that he congratulates Trump and everyone elected yesterday and saying that now was a time to move forward and reject division.



“Now is the moment to move toward the responsibility of governing for the common good of all citizens,” the Archbishop wrote. “Let us not see each other in the divisive light of Democrat or Republican or any other political party, but rather, let us see the face of Christ in our neighbors, especially the suffering or those with whom we may disagree.”



He wrote that citizens and lawmakers “would do well to remember the words of Pope Francis when he addressed the United States Congress last year, ‘all political activity must serve and promote the good of the human person and be based on respect for his or her dignity.’”



“Yesterday, millions of Americans who are struggling to find economic opportunity for their families voted to be heard. Our response should be simple: we hear you,” he added. “The responsibility to help strengthen families belongs to each of us.



“The Bishops Conference looks forward to working with President-elect Trump to protect human life from its most vulnerable beginning to its natural end,” Kurtz emphasized. “We will advocate for policies that offer opportunity to all people, of all faiths, in all walks of life. We are firm in our resolve that our brothers and sisters who are migrants and refugees can be humanely welcomed without sacrificing our security.



“We will call attention to the violent persecution threatening our fellow Christians and people of other faiths around the world, especially in the Middle East,” he continued. “And we will look for the new administration's commitment to domestic religious liberty, ensuring people of faith remain free to proclaim and shape our lives around the truth about man and woman, and the unique bond of marriage that they can form.



“Every election brings a new beginning,” Kurtz concluded. “Some may wonder whether the country can reconcile, work together and fulfill the promise of a more perfect union. Through the hope Christ offers, I believe God will give us the strength to heal and unite.”