Racism in The Catholic Church

Racism in the Catholic Church is a serious and persistent problem that violates the dignity and unity of the human family. The Church has condemned racism as a sin and has supported the struggles for racial justice and equality, but it has also been complicit in perpetuating racism through its history and actions. Some examples of this are: 

- the enslavement and killing of indigenous people by Christopher Columbus with the backing of the church; 

- the issuance of papal bulls that authorized the conquest and exploitation of non-Christian lands and peoples ; 

- the opposition and threats that white Catholics in Chicago and other cities made to the archdiocese for its support of desegregation  ; 

- the lack of representation and inclusion of Black, brown, and other marginalized Catholics in the leadership and decision-making of the church ; 

- the silence and indifference that many white Catholics have shown to the ongoing issues of police brutality, mass incarceration, and economic inequality that disproportionately affect people of color ; 

- the denial and dismissal of the experiences and perspectives of Black Catholics and other Catholics of color by some white Catholics who claim to be colorblind or not racist ; 

- the failure to address the root causes of racism and injustice in society and within the church, such as white supremacy, colonialism, and privilege.      

The Church has a moral responsibility to confront its own racism and to promote a culture of encounter and solidarity among all people, following the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, who came to bring good news to the poor and oppressed.

The Catholic Church teaches that racism is a sin that violates the dignity and unity of the human family, created in the image and likeness of God and redeemed by Christ. The Church condemns all forms of racism, including racist ideas, acts of racial discrimination, and systemic racism. The Church also calls for personal and social conversion to overcome the evil of racism and to promote justice and solidarity among all people.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "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." [1]

Pope Francis has denounced racism as a "virus that mutates and instead of disappearing, goes into hiding, and lurks in waiting." [2] He has also expressed solidarity with those who protest peacefully against racism and injustice. [3]

The U.S. bishops have issued several pastoral letters on racism, such as Brothers and Sisters to Us (1979), What We Have Seen and Heard (1984), and Open Wide Our Hearts (2018). These documents acknowledge the history and reality of racism in the United States, especially against African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic minorities. They also offer pastoral guidance on how to combat racism through education, dialogue, advocacy, and action. [4]

The Church also recognizes the role of systemic racism in perpetuating racial inequalities and injustices. Systemic racism refers to the policies and practices of institutions that have the effect of favoring one racial group over another, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Examples of systemic racism include segregation laws, voter suppression, mass incarceration, educational disparities, health care gaps, and economic exploitation. [5]

The Church urges Catholics to examine their own attitudes and actions that may contribute to racism, as well as to challenge the structures and systems that foster it. The Church also invites Catholics to listen to the voices and experiences of those who suffer from racism, to learn from their wisdom and witness, and to work with them for racial healing and harmony. [6]

References:

[1] Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1935.

[2] Pope Francis, General Audience, June 3, 2020.

[3] Pope Francis, Angelus, June 7, 2020.

[4] See https://www.usccb.org/committees/ad-hoc-committee-against-racism/pastoral-letters-and-statements

[5] See https://thejesuitpost.org/2020/07/catholic-101-should-a-catholic-be-an-antiracist/

[6] See https://www.usccb.org/resources/practical-steps-eradicating-racism