SAMUELS: Celebrating MLK’s life continues fight for racial justice

On Nov. 22, 2022, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, spoke to a group of American journalists regarding the various issues that are in the forefront of American society. In addressing the issues of racism in the United States, the Holy Father gave words of encouragement specifically to the Black Catholics of America that we should “resist and not walk away.”

In February 2021, the Pew Research Center published the most comprehensive survey to date of Black faith in America. One of the most striking finds that came out of this Pew research report is: “More than three-fourths of Black Catholics say that a commitment to racial justice is an essential or important dimension of their faith.” Moreover, this is why the Church commemorates and celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Church uses this time of commemoration to rededicate itself to the fight for racial justice.

Catholics all over the nation and world have been fighting for racial justice and calling for an end to racism. Furthermore, the cry for racial justice is being declared by the Catholic leaders of the Church as well.

Pope Francis said of the events in the United States over the last few years: “We cannot close our eyes to any form of racism or exclusion while pretending to defend the sacredness of every human life.”

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo in June of 2020 issued a statement regarding racism in our Church, community and country: “Plainly stated, for it is plain to see, we in America have a plank in our eye with regard to racism. This is a tough but necessary reality to confront, because we cannot address a problem until we acknowledge it. This includes us as members of the Catholic Church.”

In 2018 the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral letter called: ‘Open Wide Our Hearts,’ which condemns racism and vows to use the Church to combat it.

In the pastoral letter, the bishops wrote: There have been many times when the Church has failed to live as Christ taught — to love our brothers and sisters. Acts of racism have been committed by leaders and members of the Catholic Church — by bishops, clergy, religious and laity — and her institutions. Consequently, we all need to take responsibility for correcting the injustices of racism and healing the harms it has caused.

As we go about to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the month of January, The Catholic Church acknowledges its role in fighting for racial justice. We all can look to the life of this American leader and follow the dream in which this American religious leader taught us all to do.

In concluding his address in 2023, Pope Francis stated, “Racism is an intolerable sin against God. The Church, the pastors and lay people must continue fighting to eradicate it and for a more just world.”

Father Reginald Samuels is the vicar for Catholics of African Descent and pastor at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Deer Park.