03 Aug Province Statement on Racism
Recently, our nation has been called to confront the sins of injustice and systemic racism which continue to plague our country, society and institutions. As a community of men gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus and committed to living the gospel, the United States Province of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary decries the unjust killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many other men, women and young people of color.
As Christians, we believe that each and every person – regardless of race, nationality or ethnicity – is created in the image and likeness of God, possesses inherent and undeniable dignity, and is blessed with unique giftedness. We, therefore, deplore any action or violence that is contrary to the dignity of the human person.
We take this moment to reiterate our commitment to dismantle the sin of racism, to repent of complicity or omission on our part in perpetuating racial discrimination, and to extend our fraternity to all people, with the hope of breaking down walls which divide us from one another and disregard our fundamental equality as beloved children of God.
Like Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who stood at the cross of her son as he suffered on Calvary, we recognize Christ suffering again in the lives, bodies and persons of our brothers and sisters who are oppressed by injustice, racism, violence, and economic deprivation. We stand in solidarity with Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities as we denounce racism, xenophobia, hatred and violence in all its forms. We ask of God a spirit of honest reflection, dialogue, respect, conversion and action for ourselves, our Church, society, nation and institutions in order to confront these wrongs and to bring about healing, as well as new attitudes which will result in a freer, more just and fuller life for all.
