Working Together to Eliminate Racism and Discrimination
In light of another blatant human rights violation, we are compelled to come together to stand against injustice whenever and wherever it pops up, speak out against it whenever and wherever we see it, and that the cost of making a change to save at least one life is worth the effort. As an organization, we need to give our young people tools to understand the necessity of advocacy for your fellow people at every stage of life and begin to teach them legislation practices and send them out to be ambassadors of justice and get them acclimated to interacting with the idea of effective change practices. Together we pray for the eternal rest of Tyre Nichols, Lord hear our prayer,
Catholic teachings on social justice and dignity and value of all human life is powerful! However, it is not always as well known as many of the other teachings. Access the resources below for more information about the teachings of our faith and several other helpful sources to work toward equality for all.
Resources to Address Racism and Discrimination
- Despite centuries of injustice, the church is worth fighting for – U.S. Catholic
- Bishops offer action steps to address issues of racism – Chicago Catholic
- A Response to Racism – Commonweal Magazine / Podcast
- Name Changes Aim to Build a More Inclusive USD Campus – University of San Diego News Center
- White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack – the National SEED Project
- A Guide to the Discussion You Are Scared to Have Right Now – Great Place to Work
- 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice – Equity Includes You
- How can Catholics help lead the fight against racism? – America Magazine
- To fight racism, Catholics must hunger for justice like we do for the Eucharist – America Magazine
- Does Black Life Matter? – by Dr. Ansel Augustine
- St. Peter Claver Pastor: ‘White supremacy has cost someone their life’ – The Catholic Spirit, Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis newspaper
- Black Catholics: Words not enough as church decries racism – Associated Press
- The National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC)
- Xavier University in Louisiana – America’s only Historically Black and Catholic University
- The Center for Equity, Justice, and the Human Spirit – Xavier University
- The Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver
- National Association of Black Catholic Administrators (NABCA)
- The Black Catholic Theological Symposium (BCTS)
- National Black Sisters’ Conference
- National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (NBCCC)
- USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs
- Black Faith Matters (VIDEO) – Spirit Juice
- Causes for Sainthood (Five African American candidates for sainthood) – Catechist Cafe
- Anti-Racism Resources Handout – from How to Talk About Racism Webinar series (NFCYM)
- Talking race with Youth – Princeton Theological Seminary
- Everyone Belongs Activity Guide (for Grades 1-5) – Loyola Press and USCCB
- Four Courageous Conversations About Racism and Violence in America Participant Worksheet – from Mustard Seed Consultants
- Intercultural Competencies for Ministry – USCCB
- Social Justice Resources – Knights of St. Peter Claver
USCCB Bishops:
- Statements:
- Letter from Bishop Thomas Zinkula on Racism – Diocese of Davenport
- Bishop issues Black Lives Matter statement – Bishop Anthony Taylor, Diocese of Little Rock
- Pastoral Response to Racism – Bishop Timothy Doherty, Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana
- Archbishop Lori calls for Prayer – Archbishop William E. Lori, Archdiocese of Baltimore
- Pastoral Letters:
- The Catholic Church and the Black Lives Matter Movement: The Racial Divide in the United States Revisited – A Pastoral Letter by Bishop Edward Braxton. 2016
- Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself: U.S. Catholic Bishops Speak Against Racism. 2001
- What We’ve Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States. 1984
- Brothers and Sisters to Us: U.S. Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism. 1979
- Catholic Anti-Racism Resources – Pax Romana
- Racial Equity Institute
- Crossroads Antiracism Organizing & Training
- PBS Wisonson Antiracism and Racial Justice resources
- Practical Steps for Eradicating Racism (for bishops and presbyters) – USCCB
- Taking Steps Toward Anti-Racism – LIFE TEEN
- Anti-Racism Resources for White People resource list
- USCCB Website on Combatting Racism
- Protagonists of Change: Youth, Racism, and the Role of Faith (WEBINAR RECORDING) – NFCYM (NEW)
- How to Talk About Racism (WEBINAR RECORDING) – NFCYM
- How to Talk About Racism – Part 2: The Questions (WEBINAR RECORDING) – NFCYM
- How to Talk About Racism – Part 3: More Questions (WEBINAR RECORDING) – NFCYM (NEW)
- Black Lives Matter: Where Do We Go from Here? – Association of Theological Schools
- Reconciling the Body of Christ (An Interview with Fr. Josh Johnson) – (RECORDING) Ascension Press
- Coming Together: Talking with Kids and Teens about Racism (RECORDING) – Association of Catholic Publishers
- Racism in Our Streets and Structures: a Test of Faith, A Crisis for Our Nation – A webinar from Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life (RECORDING and RESOURCES)
- Top 5 Lessons from Pastoral Letter Against Racism (VIDEO) – Catholic Mobilizing Network
- “The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed” – 2017 Sphinx Organization orchestral piece
- Notes to the musical piece’s movements can be found here: Seven Last Words – Program Notes