"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." - Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love
Resources
Pastoral Letter
In November 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love.
In the letter, the bishops invite all people of faith to conversion. We are called to open our minds and hearts to Christ’s love for all people and to the experiences of those who have been harmed by the evil of racism.
Study Guide
Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love Study Guide (PDF)
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR COMBATTING RACISM
Educational Resources for Combatting Racism from the USCCB
RESPONDING TO THE SINS OF RACISM
Responding to the Sins of Racism: Civil Law as an Indispensable Tool Against Racism from the USCCB
OPEN WIDE OUR HEARTS VIDEO
USCCB–CRS VIDEO ON THE LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
News and Statements
Statement of Pope Francis
On June 2, 2020, Pope Francis spoke at the General Audience about the protests in the United States following the killing of George Floyd, saying we cannot claim to defend the sacredness of every human life while turning a blind eye to racism and exclusion. Read the article here.
Statement of Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS
Statement of Bishop Shelton Fabre
Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, on the Death of George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States. Read the full statement here.
Statement of Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
Statement of Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops on George Floyd
Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen
Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen in Wake of the Death of George Floyd and National Protests
Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President
Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities
