By Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, S.T.D. A Pastoral Letter on Racial Harmony Fifty years ago Archbishop Joseph had been painstakingly preparing for Rummel issued a landmark Pastoral this courageous action ever since his Letter, “The Morality of Racial arrival in New Orleans from Omaha in Segregation.” In this 1956 ground- 1935. He was already in the process of breaking message, he announced that desegregating archdiocesan organizations. racial segregation was to be gradually Opponents mounted a vocal and dismantled in all Catholic schools in the aggressive campaign of resistance. Archdiocese. He stated unequivocally: “The Association of Catholic Laymen” “Racial segregation as such is morally wrote to Rome and demanded that wrong and sinful because it is a denial Archbishop Rummel be required to of the unity-solidarity of the human race retract his teaching and directives. “Save as conceived by God in the creation of Our Nation” made the untenable claim Adam & Eve.” that the Bible supported segregation. Archbishop Rummel, who had served The “Citizens Council of Louisiana” as the pastor of a parish in Harlem, New warned that integration would lead to York, before being named a bishop, the destruction of the white civilization in the South. The “Citizens Council of but has not changed the significance of New Orleans” implored Catholics to the issue. It seems even more important keep money out of collection plates on now to move forward with the release of Sunday and labeled Archbishop Rummel’s this message in the hope that grappling action a “Communist Conspiracy by with the truth about race from a faith the Church.” The State Legislature perspective may help to contribute to threatened to remove the tax exempt the way we live together in the new New status of Catholic schools. Although Orleans. Archbishop Rummel had to slow down We did not need the chaotic days the implementation of his plan when following Katrina to become aware that public officials indicated theya could not heroic goodness and human degradation provide public protection at the schools, can live side by side in our city. I had he remained firm in his decision. already heard such stories in the focus Fifty years later we hail this courageous groups of parishioners of different races pioneer of racial integration, even as we and cultures as they gathered to share try to make a realistic assessment of the with me their experiences. Their accounts progress and the challenges that are ours helped me to understand how far we have today. come and how far we have to go. The Catholic Church continues In the Judaeo-Christian tradition, to welcome children of all races and water is an ambiguous reality. At the backgrounds to her schools. During this creation, Genesis depicts God as taming school year, we have an archdiocesan the chaotic water in service to future life. enrollment of almost 41,000 children. In the time of Noah, flood water was Over 7,000 are African American. Almost highly destructive, but it provided new 1,500 are Hispanic. Just over 1,000 are life for eight human beings, the animals Asian. Two hundred are multi-racial. We of the earth and their descendants. At the are offering education to almost 1,500 Red Sea, the water drowned the Egyptian students from our public schools. Many army but provided liberation to the of our Catholic school graduates have children of Abraham. Christ chose water become the first members of their families to symbolize and effect both death to sin to attend institutes of higher learning, and new life in the sacrament of baptism. move into professional and business What a great grace it would be if the courses and break the cycle of poverty waters of Katrina (which means cleansing) that had previously gripped their families. were not only to wreak devastation but Now we are in a new situation in also to wash away the stain of racial post-Katrina New Orleans. The painful prejudice and division, and enable us suffering that gripped us along with the to rise to a new life of racial justice and devastating flood water has brought home harmony! the still unaddressed issues which weigh heavily upon us: the unacceptably high My Own Story rate of poverty among African Americans; Each of us in the Church has a unique the limited choices in education because history to tell. As most of you know, I of the failing public schools; the come from Boston, Massachusetts. The disproportionate percentages without community in which I lived was totally health insurance; the difficulty in finding white, so I did not interact with those adequate affordable housing. of other races in my neighborhood As Katrina stormed in on us, I was or church or school. It was not until completing a pastoral letter on racial seminary that I experienced the friendship harmony. It was due for release in of African and Asian American fellow September 2005. Hurricane Katrina students. sidetracked the issuance of the letter I was already a priest when the 1973 federal court decision required the historically black parishes were given the desegregation of the Boston public opportunity to do so as well. schools and the busing of students to Now the Katrina experience has accomplish it. I can remember taking reinforced for me the need to address part in a public march in protest of the responsibly the racial undercurrent to so Boston School Committee’s stonewalling many issues we face in our community. of the integration of the schools. Many The housing crunch, economic barriers, parish priests accompanied black students the failures in public education, the on buses to escort them into white two-tier health care delivery system in neighborhoods. But, as in so many cities New Orleans, the shortcomings of civic, of the United States, resistance then took governmental and church leadership the form of a white exodus from the city. have impacted us all, but the poor to a As a seminary disproportionate faculty member, extent. I was part of the African development Americans seem of a seminary to find it the most policy which difficult to return. provided for The African- field education American middle- in the inner city class wonders what and participation will be the future in summer for New Orleans programs similar East. Latinos who to New Orleans’ have migrated to Summer Witness the New Orleans Program. area to work in the In Boston, jobs of recovery I began to and rebuilding serve people of often experience many different prejudice and backgrounds, unjust treatment. including Even though Hispanics and the Vietnamese Vietnamese. But community found it was not until itself outside the I came to live in civic decision- south Louisiana making structure, it that I really got to know African has manifested a remarkable community Americans on a personal basis. I became resolve not only to rebuild, but also to conscious of the number of separate black protect the neighborhood from harmful church parishes. I wondered if continuing toxins connected with the dumping of the separate parishes undermined racial debris and to create a new and better integration until I discovered how community. Sometimes the people of important they were in the development St. Bernard and lower Plaquemines feel of black Catholic identity, community, all the attention is on New Orleans and leadership, liturgy and spirituality. their plight is being ignored. In each of Soon I came to the conclusion that it these areas the Church is challenged to was important to ensure both that our contribute to the common good. territorial parishes were open to everyone A recent controversy highlights and that those who preferred to remain in how persistent racial undercurrents can impact human issues. Last March Catechism of the Catholic Church,” has 15, we promulgated our Archdiocesan made clear that “every form of social or Pastoral Plan for the seven deaneries most cultural discrimination of fundamental devastated by the flooding. It called for personal rights on the grounds of sex, postponing the reopening of twenty- race, color, social conditions, language or four parishes and schools as well as the religion must be curbed and eradicated as closing of six parishes. The announced incompatible with God’s design.”1 closing of the parishes was based on the We need to recognize that racism can recommendations included in a pastoral be both personal and institutional. It is report developed in the 1990s, Catholic personal when it is expressed in attitudes Life 2000. Those recommendations were or convictions that lead to racial slurs rooted in pastoral deficiencies which it or the depreciation of the value and the was thought would be remedied best by gifts of those of another race or culture a merger with another parish to provide either in word or in behavior (cf. Jas better pastoral care. 3:1-12). It can exist even within one St. Augustine Parish was one of race when shades of color lead to unjust these with few registered parishioners, discrimination. inadequate religious education and It is institutional when the sacramental preparation, limited pastoral organizations in which we live foster services and serious financial struggles. attitudes or practices that lead to unjust But soon resistance to this decision, discrimination (cf. 1 Cor 12:12-26). including a sit-in, became framed in racial Institutional racism exists in our broader terms because of past Church decisions society in economic and political life, our which had been experienced as unjustly educational systems, and our housing or discriminatory. It became important to living patterns. seek a resolution that would address the It may be evident in the difficulty pastoral deficiencies, but also would give experienced by one race in seeking the parishioners an opportunity to address equal economic opportunity, leading to them responsibly and satisfactorily. It is significant gaps in income and wealth. my hope that the reprieve will allow this It may be manifested in the difficulties to happen. This incident brought home some experience in moving into certain to me that racial wounds from the past urban or suburban neighborhoods, are not yet healed. or in trying to join some clubs or organizations. Those who violate the law often experience significant disparities Defining Racism in sentencing related to race, especially “Make every effort to preserve the unity when it comes to the imposition of the which has the Spirit as its origin and peace death penalty. as its binding force.” (Eph 4:3) Institutional racism is also experienced I have always been uneasy about using in the Church. While the Church as the term racism. It has an emotionally the Body of Christ is holy in her Divine charged meaning for many people. The Head, the Church in her members can Church, however, is not hesitant to and do sin (cf. 1 Jn 1:8). When members, define racism as both a personal sin and whether in leadership or not, treat other a social disorder rooted in the belief that racial or cultural expressions as inferior one race is superior to another. Hence, it or unwelcome, they contribute to an involves not only individual prejudice but institutional form of racism within the also the use of religious, social, political, Church – for which we must continually economic or historical power to keep repent and ask forgiveness (cf. 1 Jn 1:9- one race privileged. The teaching of the 10). Second Vatican Council, echoed in “The and in cooperation with God, to reverse The Church’s Teaching the power of the continuing impact of “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and original sin (cf. Rom 8:1-13). In Christ the love of God, and the fellowship of the Jesus, the Father has welcomed us back Holy Spirit be with you all!” (2 Cor 13:13) and adopted us as sons and daughters, As Christians, we need to remind brothers and sisters of the Lord and of ourselves that the fundamental mystery one another. Redemption has restored the of faith God has revealed to us is his original dignity granted in God’s creation own Trinitarian life. There is one God and enhanced it immeasurably. The but three Persons. Each Divine Person is redemptive gift of the Holy Spirit, then, distinct and has a distinctive relationship urges us to love one another as Christ has with each of the other Divine Persons. loved us. Yet the Divine Persons are one in nature As members of his Church, we claim and in dignity. Father, Son and Holy to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We are Spirit, bound together in a communion of enabled by sacramental grace “to exercise divine love, act in unity with one another. the mission which God has entrusted 2 This communion of Divine Persons with to the Church to fulfill in the world.” distinctiveness in personal identity and Consequently, we are to participate in relationships, yet equality in nature and God’s plan so that the Church may be dignity, forms the foundation for the plan experienced as the universal sacrament of that God had in mind in creating human salvation. As a Eucharistic Church, we are beings. called to reflect in our lives his universal God in his original plan created men redemptive love by accepting his urgent and women, distinct in persons and call to communion with him and one 3 relationships, yet one in nature and another in him. The Eucharist challenges dignity. Our original parents were to us to live what we proclaim. (cf. 1 John found a human race that would live in 3:1-24). harmony in response to the Father’s The most significant body of Church loving desire and will for them (Gn 1:28- teaching on racial justice has built on the 30). teaching of the Second Vatican Council. But something went unmistakably In 1979, the Catholic Bishops of the wrong at the beginning. The refusal of United States, thanks to the leadership 4 our first parents to respond to what God of Bishop Joseph Francis, issued a was asking of them plunged the whole pastoral letter, “Brothers and Sisters human race into resistance to God’s to Us.” The bishops stated, “Racism is loving plan (Gn 3:1-24). This original the sin that says some human beings are sin led to a state of alienation of peoples, inherently superior and others essentially 5 languages, and cultures from God and inferior because of race.” In 1988, the from one another (Gn 11:1-9). All Holy See released “The Church and subsequent generations were born into Racism,” which restated the 1965 U.N. this state. Original sin, then, has cast our Convention declaration, “Any doctrine minds into darkness, weakened our wills, of superiority based on differences and divided our hearts. between races is scientifically false, In response to this tragic situation, morally condemnable and socially unjust 6 the Son of God accepted the Father’s and dangerous.” Both the “Catechism mission of becoming man, to live in our of the Catholic Church” and “The midst, suffer, die and rise (cf. Jn 1:1-18). Compendium of the Social Doctrine of 7 In fulfilling this, he freed us from the the Church” present the same teaching. guilt of original sin, but did not remove The Louisiana Catholic bishops, in a all the effects of original sin. It is now 1997 statement, declared, “Racism is the ours to accept the grace of redemption, theory or practice which assumes that one race or ethnic stock is superior to another. Although freedom had been won It denies the equal dignity of all members in principle, a new phenomenon of of the human family.”8 Despite this institutionalized racial segregation took teaching, significant challenges remain for over. It was established by law in the us to address in our time. South. It existed in housing, educational and economic patterns throughout the Our Nation’s country. Not until the 1960s did the civil rights movement gain momentum. “Original Social Sin” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. provided the heroic leadership (along with other The founders of our nation were courageous citizens of all races) that led unable to come to agreement with to the development of legislation and regard to the issue of slavery. Hence, judicial decisions that finally secured the the Constitution failed to address it and “legal” rights of those who had been our nation was born into what some deprived of them because of the color of have called America’s “original sin of their skin. racism.” Slavery became a focal point of political debate in 1818 when Missouri Continuing Disharmony made application for admission to the Union. The debate raged for the next “What happens is that I do, not the good forty years. The election of Abraham I will to do, but the evil I do not intend.” Lincoln as President marked a significant (Rom 7:19) turning point. Unfortunately, the tensions Unfortunately, today as in the past, eventually spilled over into a violent war we in the Church have been slow to that almost tore appreciate the our nation full depth and permanently breadth of apart. In the meaning January 1863,9 of Divine President Revelation that Lincoln each human promulgated person is made the in the image Emancipation and likeness of Proclamation God. Christ, that freed the through His slaves in the cross, has areas still under granted us the Confederate grace to live control. a new life in In 1864, Him. Racial Congress passed the 13th amendment and cultural differences are no longer to to the Constitution, legally abolishing be causes of division (Gal 3:26-28). slavery. The amendment was ratified the In “Brothers and Sisters to Us,” the following year. The Northern victory bishops tried to draw attention to the in the Civil War preserved the nation, relationship between racial and economic but did not resolve the painful struggles justice. This description seems to be that were yet necessary to realize what particularly apt for today: “In an era the Emancipation Proclamation and the characterized by limited resources, 13th amendment to the Constitution restricted job markets and dwindling guaranteed. revenues, the poor and racial minorities are often asked to bear the heaviest given to some, while others are delayed or burden of these economic pressures . denied the same equal service. . . Crude and blatant expressions of As members of a privileged race, we racist sentiment . . . are manifest in the may not have espoused a conviction that tendency to stereotype and marginalize our race was better than other races, but whole segments of the population whose we probably have accepted uncritically presence is perceived as a threat. It is the privileges attached to our race no manifest also in the indifference that matter how this has impacted others. replaces open hatred. The minority Anyone who has accepted social privilege poor are seen as the dross of a post- at the expense of people of another race is industrial society – without skills, without complicit in the fostering of attitudes and motivation, without incentive. They are behavior that unfortunately can feed racial expendable.”10 disharmony. The Church’s response to this unjust situation has been uneven and often half- hearted. First, the official teaching is not Our Archdiocesan Heritage widely known. Secondly, many Church “Praised be the God and Father of our leaders and many of the faithful have Lord Jesus Christ who has bestowed on us 11 not given it a high priority. Moreover, in Christ every spiritual blessing in the as communities moved from historical heavens.” (Eph 1:3) segregation in territorial church parishes, As we consider how we might foster white flight has created segregation in racial harmony in the Archdiocese in the many other places. Persistent challenges future, regarding community life, public might we draw some positive lessons education, economics, drugs and violence from our past? New Orleans has been a have been labeled “their problem, not multi-racial and multi-cultural community ours.” Both members of the Church and for almost three centuries. Peoples from the wider community have failed too diverse lands have enriched the life and frequently to help the man going down history of the city and surrounding area. from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell prey to In 1727, the Ursuline Sisters welcomed robbers. (Lk 10:30) in their school children of different races As we continue to work toward and religious backgrounds. Our Cathedral racial justice today, it is important to records show that in 1803 there were understand what is recognized as “white parishioners from France, Spain, England, privilege.” Those with lighter skin color Scotland, Ireland, the Canary Islands, have certain advantages, privileges and Cuba, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, benefits that persons of darker color do Belgium, Greece, Sardinia, Denmark, not enjoy. (In Louisiana, 36 percent of Bohemia, Santo Domingo, Mexico, African-American families live in poverty, Canada, Martinique, Majorca, Spain, compared to 11 percent of whites.) Morocco, Puerto Rico and Cartagena in People of color have certain systemic the Indies. In 1800, 69 percent of the disadvantages, burdens and stigmas children baptized were of African descent. that they have to overcome. From a Their parents came from Barbara, white perspective, everything is normal Chamba, Congo, Gambia, Fon, Guinea, because white people often do not see Ibo, Mandingo, Mina and the Senegal the advantages that are inherent simply nations.12 The church parish was never in being born into society with physical free from cultural tensions. But a deeper characteristics valued by that society. Such reality still bound people together in their privilege shows up, however, in current Catholic faith. everyday occurrences. In stores and restaurants, preferred treatment is at times refused to leave his seat on a New The Witness of Orleans train in 1892 and set in motion Henriette Delille a court battle that made its way to the United States Supreme Court. The Henriette Delille, born a free woman Court ruled against Plessy. In 1954, the of color in 1813, grew up in a New Court reversed itself in Brown v. Board Orleans family. Her mother, sister, of Education on the constitutional grandmother, great grandmother and legitimacy of racial segregation in schools great, great grandmother were an integral sanctioned by law. In 1953, three years part of the society wherein some women before his Pastoral Letter, “The Morality of African descent, both enslaved and of Racial Segregation,” Archbishop free, were expected to enter into liaisons Joseph Rummel wrote “Blessed are with white men. Some of them were the Peacemakers,” committing to the brief; some were more lasting. At 22 desegregation of all Archdiocesan parish years of age, Henriette experienced a activities and organizations. He remained profound conversion. She sensed that faithful to this commitment and extended God was calling her to make a gift of it to Catholic schools in 1956 despite herself to educate slaves deprived of strong opposition from significant the opportunity for education by virtue members of the lay community and even of the law of the time. She gathered some priests. During the civil rights around her like-minded free womenof movement of the 20th century, Reverend color and established a school, first in Avery Alexander accepted arrest and even Faubourg Treme and then on the present maltreatment in an effort to integrate site of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. She the cafeteria facilities at City Hall. He then formed a religious community, also exercised strong leadership in the ultimately to be called the Sisters of the organizing of low-income hotel workers. Holy Family, who still grace us today in Attorney A.P. Tureaud can be properly the Archdiocese and beyond. She simply called the dean of New Orleans black wanted to ensure that all children were civil rights attorneys. A seventh-warder, included in God’s family. She died in a friend of St. Augustine High School, November 1862, two months shy of President of the New Orleans branch the promulgation of the Emancipation of the NAACP, Grand Knight of Peter Proclamation. She never did see the slave Claver, he successfully argued civil rights children that she educated become free. cases throughout Louisiana. She was a Catholic for whom personal Congressman Hale Boggs and, faith and social concern converged in a after his death, Congresswoman Lindy truly remarkable way.13 On November 10, Boggs broke ranks with the Southern 2006, the Congregation for the Causes of congressional delegation to promote and Saints issued a decree of juridical validity vote for civil rights legislation. Mayor in the investigation of the life, virtues and Moon Landrieu became the first mayor reputation of sanctity of Mere Henriette of New Orleans to support civil rights Delille. initiatives in a turbulent time in our history and integrated City Hall. The Josephites, Divine Word Missionaries, Some Heroes of New Orleans Blessed Sacrament Sisters, Holy Ghost in the 20th Century Fathers and Holy Family Sisters pioneered efforts to pastor and educate those who New Orleans has also known some had been victimized by racial segregation. special heroes in the 20th century. A Dora Zuniga and Elise Cerniglia 30-year-old shoemaker and a member worked for over 30 years to help of St. Augustine Parish, Homer Plessy, immigrants and refugees secure housing, employment and education. Oretha other heroes in our midst. Castle Haley opened her house to both blacks and whites. She fostered Social Justice Response dialogue and training in her efforts to promote understanding and integration. by the Archdiocese Monsignor (now Bishop) Dominic Luong came to the support of his fellow Our local Church has had a rich history Vietnamese who were fishermen. He of social outreach to minorities and the defended their right to fish in open poor. Both religious communities and waters, even in the face of considerable the Archdiocese have established Catholic community opposition. Jack Nelson, a schools that have provided the education prominent white attorney, championed so important for breaking the cycle of the cause of civil rights by filing numerous poverty for the poor. St. Katharine Drexel lawsuits that challenged laws which was personally responsible for establishing perpetuated racial segregation. 40 schools for African Americans in south Post-Katrina, Dr. Norman Francis has Louisiana, including Xavier University. exercised leadership in the recovery Archbishop Hannan began the Social and efforts as chair of the Louisiana Recovery Hispanic Apostolates to address some Authority and president of Xavier of the systemic ways in which poverty University. Father Vien Nguyen has trapped the poor, especially African and inspired the recovery of the Vietnamese Latin Americans. He supported a number community. Father José Lavastida joined of civil rights efforts on the local scene. other priests in offering heroic pastoral He welcomed refugees from Vietnam care to the sick at Louis Armstrong into the Archdiocese after the fall of Airport in the height of the evacuation. Saigon. During Archbishop Hannan’s Father Danilo Digal and Ms. Doris Voitier tenure, Bishop Perry became the first have pioneered parochial and public African-American auxiliary bishop in the school recovery in St. Bernard Parish South. Bishop Carmon now fulfills that for all citizens. Father Gerard Stapleton role and serves people of all races in an has inspired the community of south exemplary fashion. Catholic Charities Plaquemines to regroup across racial lines has consistently reached out to offer at St. Patrick Church in Port Sulphur. programs of relief and self-help to people Thanks be to God for these and so many from all racial and ethnic groups. Our schools were open to everyone, whether previously in Catholic schools or not. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development has assisted low-income The Need of the Church communities to learn how to address – and of Us as Members – crime, drugs and employment issues. Christopher Homes has offered housing to Respond in this with dignity across racial lines for seniors who are in need. The Catholic and civic 21st Century black leadership in this Archdiocese is “Once you know all these things, blest will largely composed of graduates of our you be if you put them into practice.” (Jn Catholic schools. Archbishop Schulte 13:17) insisted that inner-city Catholic schools The action plan proposed later in this remain open and offer the opportunity for pastoral outlines a strategy for moving quality academic and religious education forward as a Church and as a post-Katrina to children who might otherwise be community. It is important for us to take trapped in failing schools. Bishop Morin concrete initiatives in order to make up first came to New Orleans to participate for abuses or disadvantages in the past. in the Summer Witness program and has We should never, of course, promote continued to promote racial cooperation unqualified people to assume positions in both Church and the wider they cannot handle. We should, however, community. spread the net wide when we are looking Post-Katrina, Father William Maestri, for the best qualified people to lead and the Archdiocesan School office, Catholic serve. Compensating for the past by school administrators and teachers have increasing opportunities in the present is spearheaded the return of education to just. Orleans Parish. Our schools were open to It is also important, as we move everyone, whether previously in Catholic forward, to clarify that racism is not schools or not. Catholic Charities was the same as fear, although fear can responsible, through the Second Harvest feed racism. As human beings, we have Food Bank, for the distribution of almost a natural anxiety and sometimes fear 40 million pounds of food to the hungry of people with different cultures or in the first four months of recovery. They language. We may fear violence. We may have established 12 community centers fear economic loss. Fear in itself is not the strategically located to serve the most equivalent of racism. The way in which vulnerable with the basic necessities for we handle our fears can, however, lead us survival. They have provided for volunteer either to overcome them or to succumb cleaning and gutting of over 1,000 homes to behavior that contributes to racial of the poor, for basic healthcare for over disharmony. 3,000, and for personal outreach to over One of the phenomena of the recent 700,000 people to help them access past which we need to look at very available services. Christopher Homes realistically is the significance of white has returned over 1,300 seniors to their exodus from the inner city and the apartments. The Providence Community toleration of poverty resulting in inferior Housing Coalition has brought together schools, housing and healthcare for those Anglo, African, Latin and Asian American who are racially and culturally different. expertise in the planned development of Today, post-Katrina, African-American an initiative for mixed-income, interracial children and their parents seem to and multi-ethnic housing for 7,000 experience more difficulty in returning to families. the area. We also need to acknowledge that in rural and suburban areas racial and ethnic tensions exist as well. Sometimes it is very difficult to mobilize us Catholics to recognize and respond to our social responsibility for addressing the plight Repentance, Forgiveness of these families and children. We have and Healing to take seriously the need for improved schools, just wages, affordable housing “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive and accessible health care. We also need those who trespass against us.” (Mt 6:12) to encourage and find ways to support I want to express an apology for the responsible marriages, good parenting way in which I or other members of the and wholesome family life. Racial Church have acted or failed to act. I want disharmony can be reinforced by human to acknowledge the past in truth, seek apathy. forgiveness and recommit myself and our A new challenge before us is the need Church in New Orleans to realizing the for immigration reform. In the wake Gospel message in our relations with one of the September 11, 2001, attacks, another. our nation has given a high priority to Repentance is truly Christian only national security. This has led to some if there is a resolve to examine our unacceptably inhumane immigration conscience and behavior and then to policies and practices. Every country has act differently in the future. Obviously, a responsibility to defend its citizens, this involves the commitment to to protect its borders and to develop refrain from words and actions that responsible control over immigration. But perpetuate disharmony. It should policies which penalize legitimate refugees include a commitment to work actively or workers needed in our country or to counteract disharmony and racism prevent the reunification of spouses and wherever they may exist. families are not responsible. We cannot For racial harmony to prevail, it will tolerate a political stalemate for partisan also be important that those who have purposes. We need a thorough review of experienced personal or systemic hurt our immigration laws. move to forgiveness and the healing of Some would suggest that it is past memories. Hurt engenders anger. It important to address racial disharmony is the way in which we handle that anger solely out of self-interest. In effect, those that is critical. Pope John Paul II provided who experience privilege are negatively rich teaching about the grace of people impacted just as much as those less who have been victimized in the past privileged. But, our Church has a loftier moving beyond resentment to a mature call. We have the unique role of lifting up addressing of the evil and eventually to the truth. Working for racial and cultural a forgiveness of those who have hurt harmony is imperative, if we are to live them.14 the Gospel message of Jesus Christ (1 Jn Many of the memories that motivate us 2:8-11). are subconscious. Hence, it is important This is also the time for us to deepen that we surface these, lift them to God our rich history of a Jewish-Catholic and ask for his healing grace. Christ has partnership in this Archdiocese and showed us that the saving way to move to recommit ourselves to resist all from victimhood to victory is through expressions of anti-Semitism in our forgiveness. community. Moreover, our efforts to I am going to prepare a public address racial justice today should also opportunity at St. Louis Cathedral to have a significant impact on the way we, ritualize our desire to accept the Lord’s in this age of increased terrorism, address commission that we be instruments ethnic and religious prejudice against of repentance, reconciliation, justice, Muslims. forgiveness and healing. Some of us need repentance because we know not what we do. Some of us need to grant forgiveness buildings. In the Gospel, the disciples in order to be freed of resentment. All experienced a life-threatening storm on of us need to embrace Christ’s call to the Sea of Galilee. Jesus remained asleep be sons and daughters of the Father, in the back of the boat. The disciples brothers and sisters to one another. awakened him in their alarm and panic. Since beginning the consultative Jesus rebuked the wind and calmed the process in the development of this water with the winds: “Quiet. Be still.” pastoral letter, unfortunate incidents both Some Fathers of the Church and pre- and post-Katrina in our Archdiocese spiritual writers have have reinforced speculated that the the realization boat, probably that we still Simon Peter’s, have much could be work to do interpreted to realize the as a symbol racial harmony of St. Peter’s in which barque, the God wants Church. us to live. I The storm is am hopeful expressive of of meeting turbulence with other in the life of religious, the Church. elected and The sleeping civic leaders to Christ address how reminds us we together that, in times can form of trial, God one body, seems to be one spirit of distant or hope in our asleep. Only community. after the When Pope winds die John Paul down and II met with the waters are African-American Catholics at Xavier calmed do we recognize that God was University in his September 1987 visit, always faithful. he declared, “There is no white Church. God’s people have often turned to There is no black Church. There is only music in time of turbulence to express the one Church of Jesus Christ.”It is what they were experiencing. Moses did important for us to be able to say: there at the Red Sea. David did in his struggles. is only one community in our new New The Lord did as he and his disciples Orleans. wended their way from the Last Supper to the Garden of Gethsemane. New Orleans Embracing All Peoples is renowned the world over for music, especially jazz. A significant element When the levees breached, and of that music is harmony. Harmony metropolitan New Orleans was inundated presumes difference, since it is possible with devastating floods, boats of every only when different notes are sounded kind became life boats for people stranded simultaneously in a manner attractive to at their homes, churches or public the ear. Harmony, therefore, embodies a richness that is realizable only through plan of action for our Archdiocesan the cooperative expression of differences. administration, parishes, schools and Cannot, then, the music of New Orleans ministries: serve as a powerful symbol of the beauty that is possible when diversity is allowed Commitments to flourish in a community that welcomes, values, nurtures and celebrates the gifts of the Archdiocese and differences of people from all racial 1. That the Archdiocesan Office of and ethnic backgrounds? How wonderful Worship, in collaboration with the Office it would be if all the churches that once for Black had segregated areas for worship could Catholics, the Hispanic Apostolate truly become vibrant, multi-racial, multi- and the Asian leadership, plan a cultural communities of faith. What a commissioning service to dedicate grace it would be if we could find better ourselves to the formation of a new ways to share and benefit by the rich New Orleans that truly welcomes all as and varied cultural gifts, traditions and brothers and sisters. expressions in spiritual, liturgical and 2. That the Office of Worship, in pastoral life. collaboration with the Office of Black If Katrina should enable us to develop Catholics, the Hispanic Apostolate and public schools which truly teach the mind the Asian leadership, promote liturgies and form children in virtue; if Katrina throughout the Archdiocese that reflect should make it possible for us to provide the religious and cultural symbols, music health care for all our citizens including and heritage of our many different the most vulnerable; if Katrina should Catholic people. goad us into truly working together for 3. That Catholic Charities, in consultation flood protection, public transportation, with the Office of Continuing Education economic development and housing of the Clergy, the Office of Religious communities which are mixed-income, Education, the Office for Black Catholics, interracial and culturally uplifting; if the Hispanic Apostolate and the Asian Katrina should give rise to more citizens leadership, identify and develop effective and public officials who truly want to programs in racial and cultural education serve the common good, then God will for priests, deacons, archdiocesan and have enabled us to transform tragedy into parish staffs, religious, teachers and victory. catechists. I pray that we might, as a Church and a 4. That the Archdiocesan Administrative community, become a place welcoming to Council, in consultation with the linguistically, racially and culturally diverse Office of Human Resources, prepare a people, a place of beauty, a place of safety, protocol for recruiting both personnel for a place of peace, a place for spiritual leadership/administrative roles as well as enrichment and renewal. God grant us volunteers to serve on consulting boards the grace, the wisdom and the courage to so that the racial and cultural diversity and realize this vision. gifts of our Catholic community can be better represented. Pastoral Plan 5. That the Finance Office develop an Archdiocesan policy which promotes of Action a more effective consideration and engagement of Black, Hispanic, Asian and In order to ensure that the Church’s Native American teaching, contained in this pastoral letter, professionals, contractors and vendors, permeates ever more fully our thinking especially in our rebuilding effort. and our lives, I present the following 6. That all Catholic entities refrain from holding meetings or events in clubs or assist Archdiocesan offices in developing establishments which are not open to a effective vehicles for promoting this racially and culturally diverse membership. pastoral message and acting on this 7. That the Archdiocesan Office for pastoral plan in parishes, schools and Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs, in ministries. consultation with the Office for Black Catholics, the Hispanic Apostolate and the Asian leadership, develop an initiative Initiatives for to promote a collaborative effort of Quality Education Christian and non-Christian religious congregations to address racial and 1. That the Archdiocesan Office of cultural discrimination. Catholic Schools, the Office of Religious 8. That the Archbishop continue his Education and the Youth Office continue efforts to advocate with Congress for efforts to ensure quality education and to comprehensive immigration reforms that access financial assistance for our schools, conform to the principles espoused by parishes and youth programs especially the U.S. Catholic Bishops in the pastoral those which offer special services to letter, “Strangers No Longer: Together racially and culturally diverse students. on the Journey of Hope.” 2. That the pastors and Catholic school 9. That the Archbishop propose to the administrators take the initiative to Louisiana Catholic Conference initiatives increase which promote fair wages, housing and diversity in teaching faculty, fostering an employment practices. appropriate exchange of guest teachers or 10. That St. Joseph Seminary and Notre lecturers and student interaction to help Dame Seminary continue to improve young people experience the richness of their efforts to prepare seminarians for our multi-racial Catholic heritage. priestly ministry in a multi-racial and 3. That the Superintendent of Catholic multi-cultural Church. Seminarians of Schools continue to work closely with the Archdiocese of New Orleans need the Executive Director of the Louisiana to study this Pastoral Letter in order to Catholic Conference, state and city participate in its implementation. officials to find the most effective ways 11. That all Archdiocesan entities to offer all children a quality education, review and refine, if necessary, policies including advocacy efforts promoting and procedures to ensure that they are parental choice in education. respectful of our multi-cultural and 4. That the Archdiocesan Superintendent multi-racial parishioners, clients, faculties, of Schools, Archdiocesan Chief Financial students and staff. Officer and Development Office work 12. That the parishes, schools and together to ensure that sufficient capital Catholic Charities make every effort to is available in this post-Katrina period assist people of varying races and cultures to address both major capital needs to return to our community. in the rebuilding effort and equitable 13. That the newly formed Providence salaries in schools largely dependent on Community Housing Coalition continue Archdiocesan support. to collaborate in the efforts to assist in 5. That the Archdiocesan School Office the development of mixed-income, multi- continue to explore ways to encourage racial housing in our Archdiocese. adults to serve in tutor/mentor 14. That the Archdiocesan Family Life relationships with underprivileged and at- Office develop initiatives to assist in the risk students. strengthening of marriages and families in the lives of the poor. 15. That an implementation task force promote racial and social justice. Recommendations 7. That the Archdiocese continue its for Parishes efforts to provide appropriately for cultural and racial needs in future 1. That pastors and pastoral decisions to reopen church parishes and staffs participate in schools the Archdiocesan workshops and programs on racial and Recommendations cultural sensitivity, in for All Catholics order to incorporate into parish life and 1. That each of us ponder the ministry initiatives implications of this teaching and that foster racial enter into the conversion God harmony. calls us to experience. 2. That parishes 2. That we confront (who are not and reject any racial already engaged) stereotypes, remarks and consider twinning prejudices. or similar programs 3. That we consider with another inviting persons of other parish of races and cultures into different racial our gatherings or cultural and homes. background 4. in order to That we promote participate post- in Katrina Archdiocesan recovery, and parish and inter- efforts to promote parochial fellowship including exchange racial and social justice including fair of choirs, prayer groups, service and social wages, housing and employment. justice projects. 5. That we refrain from membership in 3. That parishes explore effective ways to clubs or organizations which are not ensure a welcoming hospitality to those open to a racially or culturally diverse who are racially or culturally different. membership, or that we actively invite as 4. That parishes regularly offer prayers guests and promote as members those for racial harmony and consider invoking currently excluded. saints such as St. Martin de Porres, 6. That we vote for public officials who St. Katherine Drexel, St. Josephine are committed to human life, human Bakhita, St. Peter Claver, St. Paul Miki, dignity and racial, cultural and systemic the Vietnamese Martyrs, Bl. Kateri justice. Tekakwitha and St. Juan Diego. 7. That we support church and 5. That parishes assist in identifying and community-based initiatives and efforts to nurturing vocations to the priesthood, correct discriminatory injustices in order diaconate and religious life among to empower and lift up the poor. African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American peoples. 6. That parishes seek ways to collaborate with civic and interfaith groups to Conclusion Footnotes Our Holy Father, in his encyclical 1 “Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the letter, “Deus Caritas Est,” has expressed Modern World,” Vatican Council II, 29, the truly Christian motivation for acting 2 (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, to promote racial harmony. “Love of 1935) neighbor is thus shown to be possible 2 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 871 in the way proclaimed by the Bible, by 3 “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “ Jesus. It consists in the very fact that, Vatican Council II, 1 in God and with God, I love even the 4 Bishop Joseph Francis is a native son of person whom I do not like or even Lafayette, Louisiana. His brother, Dr. know. This can only take place on the Norman Francis, continues to serve as the basis of an intimate encounter with able president of Xavier University. God, an encounter which has become a 5 Brothers and Sisters to Us, 3 communion of will, even affecting my 6 The Church & Racism, Pontifical feelings. Then I learn to look on this Commission on Justice and Peace, 1988, other person not simply with my eyes and 33 my feelings, but from the perspective of 7 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1935 Jesus Christ. His friend is my friend. . . and The Compendium of the Social “But if in my life I fail completely to Doctrine of the Church, 144 and 557. heed others, solely out of a desire to be 8 Racial Harmony, 1 ‘devout’ and to perform my ‘religious 9 President Lincoln released the statement on duties,’ then my relationship with God September 22, 1862, with an effective date will also grow arid. It becomes merely of January 1, 1863 ‘proper,’ but loveless. Only my readiness 10 Brothers and Sisters to Us, 1 and 6 to encounter my neighbor and to show 11 In a pastoral issued by the United States him love makes me sensitive to God Bishop’s Committee on Black Catholics as well . . . Love of God and love of on the twentieth anniversary of Brothers neighbor are thus inseparable, they form and Sisters to Us, the bishops wrote: a single commandment. Both live from “The reality of racism vis-à-vis theological the love of God who has loved us first. considerations on the subject forcefully No longer is it a question, then, of a challenges our consciences. In spite of ‘commandment’ imposed from without all that has been said and written about and calling for the impossible, but rather racism in the last twenty years, very little if of a freely bestowed experience of love anything at all has been done in Catholic from within, a love which by its very education; such as it was yesterday, it is nature must then be shared with others. today. Good people would react positively Love grows through love. Love is ‘divine’ if they realized, too, that freedom for the because it comes from God and unites victims of racism is a right to life issue. us to God; through this unifying process Racism is a key ‘evangelization deterrent’ it makes us a ‘we’ which transcends our within the African American community.” divisions and makes us one, until in the 12 Dr. Charles Nolan, Archdiocesan Archives, end God is ‘all in all’ ” (1 Cor 15:28). provided this information from the review of the St. Louis Cathedral sacramental records. 13 Cf. Cyprian Davis, OSB, Henriette Delille: Servant of Slaves: Witness to the Poor for Published by the Clarion Herald the biography of this remarkable woman. December 16, 2006 14 cf. John Paul II, Rich in Mercy, 1980, 13 and 14 and in many homilies.