Racism is an evil that pits groups against each other by assuming that one is superior because of race.
But the Church teaches that all men are created in the image and likeness of God. Each human life is sacred and every person has transcendent value, worth, and dignity.
Jesus died on the Cross for everyone and called on each person to show love for their neighbor.
As Catholics, we are called to imitate the sacrificial love of Jesus, respecting one another regardless of race or ethnicity.
Honoring the life and dignity of every person:
Putting human dignity at the center:
The equality of men rests essentially on their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it: Every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the grounds of sex, race, color, social conditions, language, or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1935
A love that looks at what is best for the other:
Shining the light of God on the darkness of racism:
A theological problem that requires a theological solution:
He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness still. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and in it there is no cause for stumbling. But he who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2: 9-11
Racism should be challenged using our faith:
The Catholic Church, which embraces men and women “of every nation, race, people and tongue” is called to be, “in a world marked by ideological, ethnic, economic and cultural divisions”, the “living sign of the unity of the human family”. In the multiplicity of nations and the variety of ethnic groups, as in the features common to the entire continent, America presents many differences which cannot be ignored and which the Church has the duty to address. Thanks to effective efforts to integrate the members of the People of God within each country and to unite the members of the particular Churches of the various countries, today’s differences can be a source of mutual enrichment.
Pope John Paul II, Ecclesia in America, January 22, 1999
Responding to racism as a Catholic:
Effectively dealing with the evil of racism:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Restoring relationships:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
