In its July update, the Office of Peace Justice and Integrity of Creation shares the Declaration of Responsibility in the Struggle for Racial Justice.
The Declaration of Responsibility for Systemic Racism, drafted by Faith in Action, is the product of a national call with nearly 800 faith leaders including Cardinal Tobin of Newark and Bishop Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky. It calls on faith leaders to atone for the sin of racism and discrimination, and act to transform structures influenced by systemic racism.
This initiative springs from a challenge from black clergy and organizers to do deep work in white spaces to uproot white supremacy and biases against people of color.
Dear Owen,
Thanks to you and to all at the PJIC Office for sharing this Declaration with us. It is a reflective, concise, inclusive and concrete statement.. I would definitely sign on to it as an individual and would hope we could do so as A Congregation along with our Associates, Companions and colleagues.
It is a document that I would be eager…. to spend time sharing and praying about with others. I always find group reflection helpful in gaining new insights and being stretched beyond my own thoughts.. it will be especially helpful as we move together in taking Action Steps.
Once again….Thank You, for what you do each day to help us live into a more Just and Peaceful reality.
I am committed to becoming and learning about how to evolve to become an Anti-racist. There is so much that needs reconciliation and healing. Thank you for this posting. Count me in!
T;his is a wonderful Manifesto and a plan that can create a better world and Society. I have worked for social justice ever since I began teaching, teaching in some of our poorest schools. There seems to be a call today, maybe even a movement to have people apologize for their whiteness….I don’t believe this is helpful, what all people should do is to work for social justice the way Jesus did and accept everyone as children of God.
I also would like to see the Sisters, who I have had and loved also be vocal when it come to the unborn…of which People of color have suffered the most.
My hope is that Sisters, Associates, Companions and Colleagues will take time to read, pray and reflect on the words of this Declaration and join us in the journey of learning as we seek, personally and communally, to atone, affirm and act. It is a journey, that when taken together and not alone, will bear much fruit. I know I need to learn a lot and will learn more in journeying with others. We learn by listening to each other’s experiences and walking with them. Hopefully, people will accept the invitation to share insights with PJIC Office by contacting Owen Smith, PJIC Assistant Director. If there is interest PJIC Office can plan a zoom conversation to help us on the journey.