The Church And Racism

            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.