Racial Justice
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5 Lessons from the Pastoral Letter on Racism
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What is Racism?
Racism is "a prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior." (from the Oxford Languages)
FROM THE USCCB
...Some among us may want to believe that our country has moved beyond the reality of racism that has so profoundly stained its past, or that racism does not involve us. Almost every day, news headlines demonstrate that our country’s “original sin” of racism continues to impact the lives of many Americans, many of them Catholic—particularly those who belong to the African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American communities. There are signs that racism’s legacies remain prevalent in many systemic inequalities that have deep impact on people of color. The bishops write, “Racism can only end if we contend with the policies and institutional barriers that perpetuate and preserve the inequality—economic and social—that we still see all around us.” (from "Open Wide Our Hearts Bulletin Insert")
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Prayer for Dismantling RacismFrom the Sisters of Providence
Dear God, in our efforts to dismantle racism, we understand that we struggle not merely against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities – those institutions and systems that keep racism alive by perpetuating the lie that some members of the family are inferior and others superior.
Create in us a new mind and heart that will enable us to see brothers and sisters in the faces of those divided by racial categories.
Give us the grace and strength to rid ourselves of racial stereotypes that oppress some of us while providing entitlements to others.
Help us to create a Church and nation that embraces the hopes and fears of oppressed People of Color where we live, as well as those around the world.
Heal your family God, and make us one with you, in union with our brother Jesus, and empowered by your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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Catholic Resources & Articles
- USCCB: Combating Racism Resources
- Ignatian Solidarity Network: Responding to Racial Injustice
- Catholic Volunteer Network: Diversity, Multi-Cultural & Anti-Racism Resources
- Pax Christi USA: Anti-Racism Resources
- Catholic Prison Ministries: Resource Page
- Georgetown Initiative on Catholic Social Thought: Racism in our Streets and Structures
- America Magazine: "What Black Lives Matter Can Teach Catholics About Racial Justice"
- America Magazine: "How Catholics Can Help Lead the Fight Against Racism"
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