Resources for Educators: Racism
Respect for the human person entails respect for the rights that flow from his dignity as a creature. These rights are prior to society and must be recognized by it. They are the basis of the moral legitimacy of every authority: by flouting them, or refusing to recognize them in its positive legislation, a society undermines its own moral legitimacy. If it does not respect them, authority can rely only on force or violence to obtain obedience from its subjects. It is the Church's role to remind men of good will of these rights and to distinguish them from unwarranted or false claims. CCC 1930.
Catholic Websites:
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Catholic Social Teaching, Office for Social Justice St. Paul and Minneapolis, Notable quotations from Catholic social teaching on the theme of Racism
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Churches Uniting in Christ, Call to Christian Commitment and Action to Combat Racism
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Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Teaching, Moving Beyond Racism: Learning to See with the Eyes of Christ Brothers and Sisters in Christ
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Cardinal Keeler, OSCE Conference on Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination: Oral Introduction
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Catholic Charities, E Pluribus Unum: Spiritual Exercises "to form a more perfect union"
Ecclesial Documents (Bishop/ Vatican):
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"Contribution to World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance," Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (Durban, 31 August - 7 September 2001)
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U.S. Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism, 1979, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Dates to Note
Martin Luther King Junior Day is observed annual on the third Monday of January. His birthday was January 15.