Before beginning my work for the Church, politics was my passion. I volunteered on political campaigns in high school. I studied politics in college and graduate school. I worked for two United States Senators. I worked as a political con- sultant. And for more than a decade, I taught political science at a local university. This experience tells me that what we are hearing nowadays from many of our political leaders is tainted with bigotry and racism. For the first time in my life, I fear for our brothers and sisters who are immigrants or refugees, disabled or sick, gay or transgendered. For the first time in my life, I am actually afraid for those who seem, sound, or somehow look “different.”

As Catholics, how are we called to think about the bigotry that has risen to the top of our country’s political culture? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “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 (CCC 1935).” And the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states: “Racism is an evil…Racism is a sin…New forms of racism must be brought face-to-face with the figure of Christ.” The teachings of the Catholic Church are clear about racism in all of its ugly forms.

As Catholics, how then are we called to respond to racism? In 1979, our bishops published a pastoral letter entitled “Brothers & Sisters To Us” that declared: “Let the church proclaim to all that the sin of racism defies the image of God and degrades the sacred dignity of humankind which has been revealed by the mystery of the Incarnation. Let all know that it is a terrible sin that mocks the Cross of Christ and ridicules the Incarnation. For the brother and sister of our brother Jesus Christ are brother and sister to us.” Then the bishops went even further. They boldly declared: “Let the church speak out, not only in the assemblies of the bishops, but in every diocese and parish in the land, in every chapel and religious house, in every school, in every social service agency, and in every institution that bears the name Catholic.”

Despite these strong words, an eerie silence emanates from many chanceries and pulpits. Although Father Jim preached last weekend against the rising tide of racism, many bishops and pastors seem reluctant to confront racism with the “figure of Christ.” Last week, an article in “America” magazine reported that while our bishops have broadened the scope of their public comments about political issues, there is widespread agreement that they should be more outspoken about immigration, social justice, and especially racism. Just last weekend, for example, some Catholic leaders publicly criticized Pope Francis, but those same leaders seem reluctant to openly criticize politicians for comments that are insensitive, uncharitable, or even outright racist. Why is that? Fear? Finances? Partisanship?

In the end, this is not about politics; and anyone who knows me knows that this is not about favoring one political party over another. It is instead about standing for what is right and rejecting what is wrong. It is about who we are and who we should be as a community of disciples. It is about treating the least among us as we wish to be treated. It is about accepting the reality that we cannot possibly love God if we do not love our neighbor, whether that neighbor is black, brown, or white; rich or poor; gay or straight; Christian or non-Christian; legal or illegal. We are all God’s children!

In this spirit, let us confront bigotry, racism, and injustice with the “figure of Christ” made manifest in all of our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us pray for the purveyors of racism so that their hearts and minds might be moved by God’s grace to truly love and serve the poorest among us. Let us pray for the victims of racism so that their lives might be brightened by those who live by the light of Christ. Let us pray for each other so that we might find the courage to practice the Golden Rule in our homes, communities, and workplaces. Finally, let us pray for our bishops so that they might rediscover their prophetic voices and cry out again and again: “Racism is an evil! Racism is a sin! New forms of racism must be brought face-to-face with the figure of Christ!”

Cliff Garvey
Associate Minister
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: cgarvey@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (1-28-18)
Bringing Home the Word (1-28-18)
USCCB Issues & Action: Racism
USCCB’s Brothers & Sisters To US (1979)

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