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Goal: Developing educational activities and resources for parishioners that foster human dignity, listening, and justice with and among peoples of different ethnic groups, social-economic backgrounds, races, and cultures.
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- Archdiocese of Baltimore-The Path to Racial Justice
- Archdiocese of Baltimore-Black Catholic Ministry
"Where life is involved, the service of charity must be profoundly consistent. It cannot tolerate bias and discrimination, for human life is sacred and inviolable at every stage and in every situation; it is an indivisible good" -- Saint Pope John Paul II (to be summed up, the USCCB teaches that we are to respect all lives “from womb to tomb.”)
SUGGESTED READING- US Bishops' Statement on Discrimination against Asian-Americans. “I am deeply saddened to hear of another mass shooting that has tragically taken the lives of eight people and has renewed concerns about a rise of hostility against individuals of Asian descent. As bishops, we decry any kind of hatred and violence, particularly based on race, ethnicity, or sex. We pray for the families and friends of those who were lost, and for their communities, who may feel unsafe and vulnerable at this time.” Read the full statement.
- “Economic Justice for All” - USCCB
- “Laudato Si - On Care for our Common Home” - Pope Francis
- A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy - USCCB
- How church teaching can help explain why “Black Lives Matter” - Archbishop Lori
- The Journey to Racial Justice - Archbishop William Lori
- Letter Celebrating 100 Years of Women's Vote - Maryland Catholic Bishops
- Selection of quotes on equality, fraternity, and racism - Pope Francis
FOR CHILDREN:
- Everyone Belongs - Inspired by the USCCB’s statement “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism,” and created in collaboration with Loyola Press, Everyone Belongs, empowers young readers to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of history and faith, and act towards respect, understanding, and friendship.
From Catholic Conference: Update March 9, 2021
Establishing Emancipation Day as a Legal Holiday
The Maryland Catholic Conference is submitting testimony in support of Senate Bill 0142, which would establish Nov. 1 as Maryland Emancipation Day, a legal state holiday. In 1864, Marylanders voted to abolish slavery – the first southern state (below the Mason-Dixon Line) that ended slavery through a vote of the people. The new state constitution went into effect on Nov. 1, 1864, more than a year before the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Read more about Maryland Emancipation Day in the Washington Post.
Reentry Success Act of 2021
A hearing is being held today on House Bill 1233, the Reentry Success Act of 2021. This legislation, which the Conference supports, would assist inmates in successfully re-entering society after they have served their sentence. Support would include screening and access to private mediation between an inmate and a person who will assist with his or her reentry, social services and public transportation at the time of release. The goal of restorative justice practices such as these is to reduce recidivism.
As our associate director for social and economic justice, MJ Kraska, notes, “When inmates are given the tools for success upon post-release their chances to break free from their often-challenging circumstances and live productive lives are exponentially enhanced.”
Testimony from the Maryland Catholic Conference is available online here after a hearing.
