The common good concerns the life of all

“Forming Consciences” could not be a better title to have us look at the intrinsic evils of discrimination, prejudice, and racism. Many times the church has addressed these issues, but they still remain in our society, our country, and even in our church.

Discrimination (unfairness, bias, bigotry), prejudice (intolerance, unfairness, pre/misjudgment), and racism (racial discrimination,bias, bigotry, prejudice) are sins. They are sins that divide the human family, blot out the image of God among specific members of that family, and violate the fundamental human dignity of those called to be children of the same Father. These sins are a denial of the truth of the dignity of each human being revealed by the mystery of the Incarnation, and mock the Cross of Christ.

Even today many blacks, Hispanic, Native Americans, and Asians are denied opportunities for full participation and advancement in our society because of their race. Discriminatory practices are evident in economics, housing, education, employment and politics. The contributions of all racial minorities as distinctive and rich, with a source of internal strength for our nation, must be recognized.