statements against racism
Systemic Racism Must End: Statement from the US-6 OFM Provinces
by Jim McIntosh | Jun 3, 2020 |
A message from the US-6 provincial ministers:
At a time when the COVID-19 virus has disproportionately attacked people of color, we have witnessed the killing of George Floyd and the protests, sometimes violent, which have occurred in our cities in its aftermath. Our hearts go out to all affected.
Even though, following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, we decry violence and desire peace, we stand in solidarity with our outraged African American brothers and sisters who demand an end to the deadly violence of racism. We cannot be indifferent when their God-given dignity is violated.
As people of faith, we not only condemn the systemic racism that has led to these events, but we also re-dedicate ourselves to ending racial injustice in our provinces, in our Church, and in our nation and creating that space where Dr. Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community will flourish.
David Gaa, OFM, Provincial Minister of St. Barbara Province
James Gannon, OFM, Provincial Minister of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province
Kevin Mullen, OFM, Provincial Minister of Most Holy Name of Jesus Province
Thomas Nairn, OFM, Provincial Minister of Most Sacred Heart Province
Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, Provincial Minister of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province
Mark Soehner, OFM, Provincial Minister of St. John the Baptist Province
A message from the US-6 provincial ministers:
At a time when the COVID-19 virus has disproportionately attacked people of color, we have witnessed the killing of George Floyd and the protests, sometimes violent, which have occurred in our cities in its aftermath. Our hearts go out to all affected.
Even though, following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, we decry violence and desire peace, we stand in solidarity with our outraged African American brothers and sisters who demand an end to the deadly violence of racism. We cannot be indifferent when their God-given dignity is violated.
As people of faith, we not only condemn the systemic racism that has led to these events, but we also re-dedicate ourselves to ending racial injustice in our provinces, in our Church, and in our nation and creating that space where Dr. Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community will flourish.
David Gaa, OFM, Provincial Minister of St. Barbara Province
James Gannon, OFM, Provincial Minister of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province
Kevin Mullen, OFM, Provincial Minister of Most Holy Name of Jesus Province
Thomas Nairn, OFM, Provincial Minister of Most Sacred Heart Province
Jack Clark Robinson, OFM, Provincial Minister of Our Lady of Guadalupe Province
Mark Soehner, OFM, Provincial Minister of St. John the Baptist Province
Statement from the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament on the Death of George Floyd
“If there is any prejudice in the mind, we must uproot it, or it will pull us down. If we live the gospel, we will be people of justice.” -St. Katharine Drexel
We, Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, are saddened, angered and heartbroken on the killing of George Floyd. We pray for the repose of his soul and for comfort and peace to his family. We are appalled by the murderous conduct by members of our law enforcement officers, who are sworn to protect and serve everyone in their community. Their failure to live up to their duty is rooted in the systemic racism that has been a part of our society since its foundation. In recent weeks we mourn Reason “Sean” Reed, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Aubery, and now George Floyd.
As Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and in the spirit of St. Katharine Drexel we join our voices with those who march against these injustices demanding accountability from those who have the obligation to create a just society. Instead, they preside over our nation as it suffocates in racial hatred, inequality, and disrespect for human life, especially the lives of its African American citizens. All of us are accountable for our response to the gospel message of Jesus Christ; a message that challenges us to love, and to model that love daily in our interaction with our fellow brothers and sisters. We pray that justice will be served.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and in the spirit of St. Katharine Drexel we join our voices with those who march against these injustices demanding accountability from those who have the obligation to create a just society. Instead, they preside over our nation as it suffocates in racial hatred, inequality, and disrespect for human life, especially the lives of its African American citizens. All of us are accountable for our response to the gospel message of Jesus Christ; a message that challenges us to love, and to model that love daily in our interaction with our fellow brothers and sisters. We pray that justice will be served.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities
May 31, 2020
WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB.
Archbishop Gomez’s full statement follows:
The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?
I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.
It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.
But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.
Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.
We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
Media Contact:
Chieko Noguchi
202-541-3200
May 31, 2020
WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB.
Archbishop Gomez’s full statement follows:
The killing of George Floyd was senseless and brutal, a sin that cries out to heaven for justice. How is it possible that in America, a black man’s life can be taken from him while calls for help are not answered, and his killing is recorded as it happens?
I am praying for George Floyd and his loved ones, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I share the outrage of the black community and those who stand with them in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and across the country. The cruelty and violence he suffered does not reflect on the majority of good men and women in law enforcement, who carry out their duties with honor. We know that. And we trust that civil authorities will investigate his killing carefully and make sure those responsible are held accountable.
We should all understand that the protests we are seeing in our cities reflect the justified frustration and anger of millions of our brothers and sisters who even today experience humiliation, indignity, and unequal opportunity only because of their race or the color of their skin. It should not be this way in America. Racism has been tolerated for far too long in our way of life.
It is true what Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, that riots are the language of the unheard. We should be doing a lot of listening right now. This time, we should not fail to hear what people are saying through their pain. We need to finally root out the racial injustice that still infects too many areas of American society.
But the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost. Let us keep our eyes on the prize of true and lasting change.
Legitimate protests should not be exploited by persons who have different values and agendas. Burning and looting communities, ruining the livelihoods of our neighbors, does not advance the cause of racial equality and human dignity.
We should not let it be said that George Floyd died for no reason. We should honor the sacrifice of his life by removing racism and hate from our hearts and renewing our commitment to fulfill our nation’s sacred promise — to be a beloved community of life, liberty, and equality for all.
Media Contact:
Chieko Noguchi
202-541-3200