Racism, Prejudice, Bias
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“We must learn to listen to the voices of our discriminated brothers and sisters and raise the voices God has given each of us to challenge the culture of death evidenced in violence, inequality, and injustice not only against innocent lives of the unborn, the sick and the elderly, but also of our Black brothers and sisters and other people of race, faith affiliation, sexual orientation and economic status.”
-The Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis, May 30, 2020, Bishop's Memo, Bishop Calls for Prayers During Unrest
"But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now."
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Open Wide our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love
"We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.”
- Pope Francis, June 3, 2020, No Tolerance for Racism
Our faith calls us to speak out against racism, prejudice and bias and work to transform structures that continue to disregard the equal dignity of all people. Find resources below to help pray, learn, and act together to transform our hearts, our policies, and our country.
Pray
"Aid us, we pray, in overcoming the sin of racism. Grant us your grace in eliminating this blight from our hearts, our communities, our social and civil institutions." Utilize this Prayer for Racial Healing for Our Land, Prayer to Overcome Racism, or one of the many others available on the USCCB website.
Learn
Read and study the Bishops’ recent pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts (y en espanol), and utilize our study guide to deepen your prayer and learning.
Act
Share and discuss resources with your community including backgrounders, like this one on systemic racism, educational materials for classrooms, and scripture reflections. Engage in your community through voting and advocacy.
Find Your Legislator
Who represents you? Enter your address here and find your state representative and senator.
- To find your Congressional representative, click here.
- For Senate, click here.
Faithful Citizenship
Read the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's comprehensive document for discerning our individual votes as people of Faith, Forming Conscience for Faithful Citizenship (en Espanol).