How to combat racial injustice

By Christina Galeone | CFP Correspondent

In Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the law and the prophets.” But many people refuse to take that advice.
One of the consequences is racial injustice. The death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis in May sparked national outrage. The tragedy followed other killings involving Black victims. Seeing the evil that has thrived due to prejudice, many Catholics have wondered how to fight it. Recently, two local priests offered suggestions.  
Father Enoch K. Kyeremateng, the director and chaplain for the Worcester Diocese’s African Ministry, wants people to remember that there’s no genetic evidence that supports racism. He said that it also goes “against the actual message of creation in the book of Genesis.” And it does immense harm.
“Racial hatred and discrimination are more than glaring social injustices; they are also a direct affront to God,” Father Kyeremateng said. “Behind the news stories are real people with lives that were ended not in consequence of unlawful activities but solely on their heritage that links to their skin color.”
But despite the devastation wrought by racism, he vehemently opposes the use of violence to try to achieve justice. Although he said that the Church has a “profound and ardent desire for a life which is just in every respect,” he doesn’t believe that people should label all law enforcement professionals as racists. He believes in fighting injustice by going through the proper channels, rather than taking the law into one’s own hands.
“In the name of justice, the neighbor is sometimes killed, deprived of liberty, or stripped of fundamental human rights,” Father Kyeremateng explained.
He also noted that Jesus challenged the Old Testament “eye for an eye” attitude of his contemporaries.
“The experience of the past and of our own time demonstrates that justice alone is not enough; the quest for justice can lead to the negation and destruction of itself if that more profound power, which is love, is not allowed to shape human life in its various dimensions.”
Father Kyeremateng recommends that Catholics strive to conquer prejudice and racial injustice with love.
“Love is a weapon that breaks ungodly barriers,” he said, noting that St. Paul’s definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 as patient, kind, never rude and never selfish, is particularly appropriate. He added that if Christians embrace love and heed the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5: 43-44, that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, then we won’t have any enemies. 
Finally, Father Kyeremateng suggests fighting racial injustice with peace.
“Each of us can do our part by learning, growing, and living at peace with our fellow brothers and sisters no matter their color, race, religion, or national origin,” he said. “We must go out, peaceably protest that violence and injustice against people of color are unacceptable, and contrary to God’s will.”

Three advocates

Father Anthony J. Mpagi, the pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Lunenburg, suggests that Catholics reflect on the teachings of three advocates for the oppressed. The three people are civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, and, above all, Jesus. 
A Martin Luther King Jr. quote that resonates with Father Mpagi is: “Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”
Father Mpagi believes that racial harmony can be achieved, and he said that “many good efforts are being done to get to this beloved community.” But he also believes a change of heart is needed.
“Racism … lies in the fallacy and sinful thinking that ‘the other’ is less human or less than me…,” Father Mpagi said. He added, “It is largely taught and enabled by society and deep-seated stereotypes. The only way to dismantle this is an ongoing conversion of heart. We must always get back to the road to Damascus to start again … to teach and learn to appreciate others who are different from me.”
When Father Mpagi served as the chaplain of the Worcester Diocese’s African Ministry, he learned about Sister Thea Bowman. He was especially moved by a presentation she gave to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1989, several years before he became a priest. 
In that talk, Father Mpagi said, she gave 10 tips on fighting racial injustice. The suggestions included rejecting paternalism, respecting the gifts of people from different cultures and remembering that African Americans fought for, died for, and helped build this country.
Father Mpagi noted that she also recommended ensuring that all races have equal access to food and safe housing, ensuring that everyone has equal educational opportunities and enabling and encouraging Black Americans. He said that, additionally, she suggested being a prophet of justice, rejecting stereotypes and being aware of what’s happening in the global Church.

MAINTAIN UNITY

Lastly, he said that she recommended maintaining unity.
“We are many parts, but we are all one body!” he shared, stating that her message was that we shouldn’t let anyone separate us from each other.
He added, “We are a family, and we’ve got to stick together. We must work so hard that we remain one.”
And Father Mpagi said that everything we must do to fight racism “can only be done in a true spirit of discipleship and prayer.”
He further noted that the Gospel uplifts the poor and oppressed, and we need to remember that Jesus stated that whatever is done to them is done to him as well.
“Be like Jesus to others; nobody can call themselves Christian and be racist at the same time,” Father Mpagi said.   





In Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the law and the prophets.” But many people refuse to take that advice.
One of the consequences is racial injustice. The death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis in May sparked national outrage. The tragedy followed other killings involving Black victims. Seeing the evil that has thrived due to prejudice, many Catholics have wondered how to fight it. Recently, two local priests offered suggestions.  
Father Enoch K. Kyeremateng, the director and chaplain for the Worcester Diocese’s African Ministry, wants people to remember that there’s no genetic evidence that supports racism. He said that it also goes “against the actual message of creation in the book of Genesis.” And it does immense harm.
“Racial hatred and discrimination are more than glaring social injustices; they are also a direct affront to God,” Father Kyeremateng said. “Behind the news stories are real people with lives that were ended not in consequence of unlawful activities but solely on their heritage that links to their skin color.”
But despite the devastation wrought by racism, he vehemently opposes the use of violence to try to achieve justice. Although he said that the Church has a “profound and ardent desire for a life which is just in every respect,” he doesn’t believe that people should label all law enforcement professionals as racists. He believes in fighting injustice by going through the proper channels, rather than taking the law into one’s own hands.
“In the name of justice, the neighbor is sometimes killed, deprived of liberty, or stripped of fundamental human rights,” Father Kyeremateng explained.
He also noted that Jesus challenged the Old Testament “eye for an eye” attitude of his contemporaries.
“The experience of the past and of our own time demonstrates that justice alone is not enough; the quest for justice can lead to the negation and destruction of itself if that more profound power, which is love, is not allowed to shape human life in its various dimensions.”
Father Kyeremateng recommends that Catholics strive to conquer prejudice and racial injustice with love.
“Love is a weapon that breaks ungodly barriers,” he said, noting that St. Paul’s definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 as patient, kind, never rude and never selfish, is particularly appropriate. He added that if Christians embrace love and heed the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5: 43-44, that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, then we won’t have any enemies. 
Finally, Father Kyeremateng suggests fighting racial injustice with peace.
“Each of us can do our part by learning, growing, and living at peace with our fellow brothers and sisters no matter their color, race, religion, or national origin,” he said. “We must go out, peaceably protest that violence and injustice against people of color are unacceptable, and contrary to God’s will.”

Three advocates

Father Anthony J. Mpagi, the pastor of St. Boniface Parish in Lunenburg, suggests that Catholics reflect on the teachings of three advocates for the oppressed. The three people are civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, and, above all, Jesus. 
A Martin Luther King Jr. quote that resonates with Father Mpagi is: “Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”
Father Mpagi believes that racial harmony can be achieved, and he said that “many good efforts are being done to get to this beloved community.” But he also believes a change of heart is needed.
“Racism … lies in the fallacy and sinful thinking that ‘the other’ is less human or less than me…,” Father Mpagi said. He added, “It is largely taught and enabled by society and deep-seated stereotypes. The only way to dismantle this is an ongoing conversion of heart. We must always get back to the road to Damascus to start again … to teach and learn to appreciate others who are different from me.”
When Father Mpagi served as the chaplain of the Worcester Diocese’s African Ministry, he learned about Sister Thea Bowman. He was especially moved by a presentation she gave to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1989, several years before he became a priest. 
In that talk, Father Mpagi said, she gave 10 tips on fighting racial injustice. The suggestions included rejecting paternalism, respecting the gifts of people from different cultures and remembering that African Americans fought for, died for, and helped build this country.
Father Mpagi noted that she also recommended ensuring that all races have equal access to food and safe housing, ensuring that everyone has equal educational opportunities and enabling and encouraging Black Americans. He said that, additionally, she suggested being a prophet of justice, rejecting stereotypes and being aware of what’s happening in the global Church.

MAINTAIN UNITY

Lastly, he said that she recommended maintaining unity.
“We are many parts, but we are all one body!” he shared, stating that her message was that we shouldn’t let anyone separate us from each other.
He added, “We are a family, and we’ve got to stick together. We must work so hard that we remain one.”
And Father Mpagi said that everything we must do to fight racism “can only be done in a true spirit of discipleship and prayer.”
He further noted that the Gospel uplifts the poor and oppressed, and we need to remember that Jesus stated that whatever is done to them is done to him as well.
“Be like Jesus to others; nobody can call themselves Christian and be racist at the same time,” Father Mpagi said.