#514 The Catholic Solution to Racism - Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Nov 22, 2023
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Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers discusses his book on the Catholic approach to overcoming racism. Emphasizing the Church's role, he highlights the need for a unified response and explores the association of race with divine identity. Addressing racism within the Catholic Church, he advocates for greater acceptance and inclusivity. Taking action at the parish level, initiating programs, and engaging in prayer and fasting are suggested as ways to tackle racism. The book also delves into papal documents, letters from bishops, critical race theory, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Catholic Church can address racism by prioritizing the gospel of Jesus Christ as the foundation for their response.
Acknowledging and learning from the uneven history of the Catholic Church in relation to racism is essential.
Deep dives
The Catholic Church's Role in Addressing Racism
The podcast episode discusses how the Catholic Church can take the lead in addressing racism. It highlights the importance of basing the response to racism on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The episode explores the example of Martin Luther King, Jr., who was able to bring people together by emphasizing the gospel's teachings. The speaker argues that the Catholic Church needs to prioritize the gospel and show the world how to address the issue of race.
The Church's Historical Response to Racism
The podcast acknowledges the uneven response of the Catholic Church to racism in the United States. While some priests, bishops, and religious orders owned and sold slaves, others staunchly advocated against slavery and worked in the Underground Railroad. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging this history and making a distinction between the actions of individuals within the Church and the Church itself.
Overcoming Prejudices and Stereotypes
The podcast urges individuals to confront and unlearn racist behaviors and prejudices. It emphasizes the need to see people as God sees them, beyond their race or color, and recognize their inherent dignity as beings created in the image of God. The speaker suggests having open and honest conversations about racial discomfort and actively engaging in cultural exchange through events like potlucks and study groups.
Creating Welcoming Parishes and Communities
The podcast highlights the importance of creating welcoming and diverse parish communities. It suggests practical initiatives like displaying multicultural images and fostering cultural inclusivity. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of prayer and fasting as means to combat racism and encourages individuals to live out the teachings of the Church with passionate conviction.
In his new book, Building a Civilization of Love: A Catholic Response to Racism, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers is boldly honest about the Catholic Church and racism in the United States. But he is also hopeful because he believes there is an answer to the evils of racial division in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He joins us for a conversation about racism and Catholicism.
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