We believe
- That each human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Whenever one human being is made to suffer, the rest of humanity suffers, is weakened and threatened.
- All are equal in the eyes of God and are a reflection of His gift of diversity in creation.
- That Catholics must be in the forefront in promoting racial justice and working for social conditions that allow people to realise their full potential and their human dignity based on our spiritual and moral values. We cannot afford to treat racial Justice issues as peripheral to the Good News.
We reject and condemn racism
- Christ commanded us to "love your neighbour as yourself". How we treat one another cannot be separated from our relationship with God.
- Racism denies people their dignity as children of God. It is contrary to God's plan for us as it divides the human family and destroys attempts to build community and the common good.
We commit ourselves
- To eradicate racial injustice in our Church, in society and in the world, through prayer and work.
- To analyse the structural causes of racism in society using the principles of the gospel and Catholic social teaching.
- To be a rock of support that victims of racism can rely upon and to stand with them and support them in their search for healing and justice.
- To identify, recognise and utilise the knowledge, skills, experience and competence of all people, and remove obstacles to build a truly inclusive Church.
- To work to ensure that our schools value diversity, that they are places of real opportunity for young people of all backgrounds, and promote racial justice.
- To work with the clergy, and strongly encourage seminary training to include multicultural formation for leadership in our diverse Church. To promote Racial Justice Sunday and encourage all parishes to participate fully.
- To take up Pope Paul VI's challenge: "If you want peace, work for justice".
- To foster relationships with international organisations of all faiths that are committed to the promotion of racial justice.
Conclusion
We are called to be 'doers' of the Word and not just 'hearers'. We must ensure there are visible and credible signs that Catholics are living their faith. The contribution of each member of the Body of Christ to this process is crucial.
Pentecost 2004
