The violence that has erupted after the violent death of George Floyd has been brought literally to the steps of churches, namely, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, and the rectory of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville, Ky., where its windows were smashed and walls defaced.
Racial Justice
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Catholics in Twin Cities grappling with Floyd’s death, related rioting
Karen Bohaty, who lives in south Minneapolis, said she was aghast at what happened to Floyd, but was angry about the related riots and the destruction across the Twin Cities.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Bishops ‘sickened’ by Floyd’s death, say racism ‘real and present danger’
“Indifference is not an option,” said the chairmen of seven committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. They stated “unequivocally” that “racism is a life issue.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Bishops call racism a ‘real and present danger’ in aftermath of death of George Floyd in Minneapolis
“We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities and yet still try to profess to respect every human life,” the bishops said. “We serve a God of love, mercy, and justice.”
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Louisiana bishop: ‘People are losing their lives because of racism’
“Until we take the human dignity of each and every person—regardless of the circumstances of their lives—serious(ly), there will continue to be a loss of life due to racism,” Bishop Shelton T. Fabre said.
Posted inLast Take, Politics & Society
How can Catholics help lead the fight against racism?
Black and brown Americans continue to speak out against police misconduct and pervasive racism across the United States, writes Olga Segura. The church has an opportunity to show that it is listening.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Racism ‘at heart’ of man’s death at hands of police, says Pax Christi USA
The Catholic peace organization said it stands “in solidarity with our siblings in Minneapolis who are protesting white supremacy with their voices and their bodies, and we recommit ourselves to working to dismantle systemic racism in all its forms.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Archbishop says Floyd video ‘gut wrenching,’ urges respect for all people
The video of a Minneapolis police office pressing his knee on the neck of a handcuffed African American man has elicited expressions of shock, outrage, and pain throughout the country, including from the religious community.
Posted inFaith, News
Three U.S. bishops condemn racism in context of coronavirus pandemic
The bishops said they find these actions unacceptable and called on Catholics, fellow Christians and all people of goodwill to help them combat such acts of racism and xenophobia.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Coronavirus highlights disparities in ethnic communities
In mid-April, the Iowa Department of Health pointed out that Latinos made up almost 20% of New York State residents with confirmed COVID-19, even though they’re 6.2% of the population.