A CALL TO ADDRESS RACISM IN OUR HEARTS AND COMMUNITY

June 8, 2020

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released statements on racism and protests in the US. In addressing the death of George Floyd, Archbishop José Gomez, USCCB president, stated, "We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation's sacred promise - to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all."

Seven bishop chairmen of USCCB committees also released a statement addressing racism and the protests: "While it is expected that we will plead for peaceful non-violent protests, and we certainly do, we also stand in passionate support of communities that are understandably outraged. Too many communities around this country feel their voices are not being heard, their complaints about racist treatment are unheeded, and we are not doing enough to point out that this deadly treatment is antithetical to the Gospel of Life."

Locally, Archbishop Paul Etienne also issued "A Call to Address Racism In Our Hearts and Community": "As Catholics . . . We cannot stand by and not respond to incidents of racism and inhuman treatment of our black brothers and sisters."

The bishops' statements also referenced Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, a pastoral letter addressing racism.

For additional resources, visit the following links:

5 Lessons from the Pastoral Letter Against Racism
Prayer to Overcome Racism
Combatting Racism Resource Page
Racism in Our Streets and Structures Resource Page from Georgetown University
Catholic Study Guide for the film, Just Mercy (Catholic Mobilizing Network)