The Church and Racism: Toward a More Fraternal Society issued by the Pontifical Justice and Peace Commission expresses their opposition against all forms of racism. The main objective of this primary source document is to inform the public about the origins and nature of racism in our society as well as to promote Christian interdependence and solidarity to consummate racial prejudices. Can racism ever be justified? The bishops and popes certainly did not agree. "Racism is the sin that says some human beings are inherently superior and others essentially inferior because of race . It mocks the words of Jesus: "Treat others the way you would have them treat you." Indeed, racism is more than a disregard for the words of Jesus; it is a denial of the truth of the dignity of each human being revealed by the mystery of the Incarnation." (National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Brothers & Sisters to Us: A Pastoral Letter on Racism in Our Day, 1979) These bishops and popes hoped that in awakening consciousness of this major concern, people would come to reevaluate their attitudes and eventually refashion their behaviors. .
Racist ways of thinking and behaviors are rooted in the very reality of sin, which began from the very essence of humanity. "Racial prejudice, awareness of the biologically determined superiority of one's own race or ethnic group with respect to others, developed above all from the practice of colonization and slavery at the dawn of the modern era." (Pontifical Justice & Peace Commission, The Church and Racism: Toward a More Fraternal Society, 1988) We can definitely see racist behaviors apparent throughout history. Greco-Roman ancients didn't seem to have any knowledge of any racial distinctions. Their attitudes about their racial superiority arose not from innate biological reasons but rather from slavery. It is highly important to remember that these slaves were once persons who belonged to groups conquered in war, and not persons who were hated because of their race.
A group of whites burn down a black church, someone gets hurt or murdered from a racial slur, or fights break out at school or in public. These are the extremes of racism. Racism is definitely not a good thing. ... Everybody knows what racism is, but there are so many other factors that tie in with racism. ... The KKK committed hate crimes such as burning down black peoples churches, and putting crosses to fire. ...
Racism: The Disease of the Land "Racism has been to human relationships what cancer has been to human existence. ... Racism is very deep. ... Churches have been burned to the ground, as well as homes, and people have been beaten and/or killed. While watching a talk show about racism, many whites say that blacks burn down their own churches just so they can blame it on them. ... For many people, racism was taught in the home. ...
Racism: The Disease of the Land "Racism has been to human relationships what cancer has been to human existence. ... Racism is very deep. ... Churches have been burned to the ground, as well as homes, and people have been beaten and/or killed. While watching a talk show about racism, many whites say that blacks burn down their own churches just so they can blame it on them. ... For many people, racism was taught in the home. ...
Racism still communities today, but most of it isn't as open as it once was. During the 60's black churches were burned down, men where hung and most of the time everybody knew who was responsible, and yet nothing could be done. ... The police also have played an important role in the history of racism in America. ... Racism has been an embracing part of America's history, it reveals a sort of double standard, based on the fact that immigrants founded this country, and yet we discriminate against them. ...
Racism People see racism everyday across America. A group of whites burn down a black church, someone gets hurt or murdered from a racial slur, or fights break out at school or in public. These are the extremes of racism. ... Racism is still all over the place. ... The KKK committed hate crimes such as burning down of black churches, and putting crosses to fire. ...
A group of whites burn down a black church, someone gets hurt or murdered from a racial slur, or fights break out at school or in public. These are the extremes of racism. ... Racism is still all over the place. ... Everybody knows what racism is, but there are so many other factors that tie in with racism. ... The KKK committed hate crimes such as burning down of black churches, and putting crosses to fire. ...
Racism was an influential part of society in the 1930s' as seen in To Kill a Mockingbird. ... Their homes in fact weren't in the same neighborhood, they didn't even share the same church. ... A large step in the fight against racism. ... Racism kept the black poor and the white wealthy. ... " "There was no sign of a piano, organ, hymn-books, church programs......
The Negroes are shunned to the outskirts of the town, deprived of an education and even made to attend a separate church. ... They are allowed to go to school, go to church and receive jobs but the blacks are not. ... We see racism in a form of separation, we see how the Negroes are forced to live apart from the whites, in a lowlier part of town, how they cannot attend white schools and how they must attend a different church, even though they are all good Christians. ... Church was in the quarters outside the southern town limits Negroes worshipped in it on Sundays and white men gambled ...
There are many deadly effects of racism in America. The aftermath of racism has had a negative impact on a generation of different races, creeds, and religions. Racism infests our schools, churches, hospitals, playgrounds, and especially the workplace. ... This was one of the biggest effects that racism has had on America. ... In conclusion, the effect of racism has had a significant impact on how America is today. ...
