It is Time: Enough is Enough
“If you want peace, work for justice” Pope Paul VI
The Wheaton Franciscans join our voices with those of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and other faith, civil, and business leaders in condemning the police-killing of yet one more black man on the streets of our nation. We share in the profound anger, frustration, and grief of so many African Americans and allies as we face, once again, the violent effects of systemic racism.
In the National Catholic Reporter on June 3, Heidi Schlumpf wrote, “White people, let’s do our homework.” It is past time! Join us in doing the challenging work of examining the root causes of injustice. We must each do our part to understand our own complicity in institutional racism.
Begin this challenging work by thoughtfully and prayerfully reading the article Another Lethal Virus Ravages the United States written by Sr. Beatrice Hernandez, our Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator. On this new webpage you will also find links to additional articles and resources. We will update this resource list periodically and share other opportunities to help unmask the sin of racism and remove the blinders of white privilege.
We join with the leaders of LCWR in saying, “We ask forgiveness of our sisters and brothers of color; and we pray for our nation’s healing, and we know that is not enough. It is time for bold, decisive action. We pledge to raise our voices and to act now to end this scourge which has cost us so dearly. It is long past time to dismantle white privilege and rededicate ourselves to building God’s beloved community.”
Article by Sr. Beatrice Hernandez
Additional Articles
Mother of Sorrows: How Racial Injustice Paralyzes Imago Dei
How church teaching can help explain why ‘Black Lives Matter’
This moment calls for a new consciousness: becoming an anti-racist
Your Anti-Racism Books Are a Means not an End
I am a Black Catholic convert and I believe the church must address racism now
Worship of a False God – Commonweal Magazine
The Case for Reparations – by Ta-Nehisi Coates
My Father, Let This Cup Pass From Me.. – by Nephtalie Lesperance
Juneteenth: A day of joy and pain – and now national action – by Aaron Morrison and Kat Stafford
I can’t breathe because God can’t breathe – by Anne Arabome
Statement from National Black Sisters Conference
The Assumptions of White Privilege and What we Can Do About It – by Fr. Bryan Massingale
We All Must Say Black Lives Matter – by Jamie Manson
To Fight Racism Catholics Must Hunger for Justice as We Do Eucharist – America Magazine
For Our White Friends Desiring to be Allies – by Courtney Ariel
Resources
Brene Brown – Antiracism Resources
Becoming Anti-Racist – PDF Chart
Loyola of Maryland anti-racism webinar series
The Equal Justice Initiative Calendar
Join the Poor People’s Digital and Social Media March on Washington—June 20
Justice in June – monthly calendar of actions
WAKE Up Call: Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources
75 Things White People Can Do About Racism
First Listen Then Learn: Anti-Racism Resources for White People
Social Media Posts:
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