Social Justice and African American Catholics
By Beatrice Parwatikar and Ralph McCloud
(Page 3 of 3)
Preferential Option for the Poor
Do we give special preference to persons who are poor as the Gospel requires? Do we work in homeless shelters and soup kitchens? Do we work as volunteers in Catholic Charities agencies? Are we preparing for the over 600,000 men and women who will be released from prison this year across the country? Are we yet helping persons displaced by hurricanes from the Gulf Coast?
Our teaching says:
"Let each one examine his conscience, a conscience that conveys a new message for our times. Is he prepared to support out of his own pocket works and undertaking organized in favor of the most destitute? Is he ready to pay higher taxes so that the public authorities can intensify their efforts in favor of development? Is he ready to pay a higher price for imported goods so that the producer may be more justly rewarded?"
- On the Development of Peoples, #48
Solidarity
Are we sensitive to the needs of persons in other portions of the world? Are we tuned in to the despair of disease in Africa? If so how are we responding in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need? Are we engaged in public policy debates in the areas of humanitarian aid? In immigration?
Our teaching says:
"We have inherited from past generations, and we have benefited from the work of our contemporaries: for this reason we have obligations towards all, and we cannot refuse to interest ourselves in those who will come after us to enlarge the human family. The reality of human solidarity, which is a benefit for us, also imposes a duty."
- On the Development of Peoples, #17
Care for Creation
Are we caretakers of our environment? Are we co-creators who will make sure that the earth that is inherited by our descendants will be better than it was when we inherited it? Do we recycle? Do we push for laws that will improve air and water quality?
Our teaching says:
"God destined the earth and all it contains for all people and nations so that all created things would be shared fairly by all humankind under the guidance of justice tempered by charity."
- The Church in the Modern World, #69
In the midst of this wonderful rebirth, this Renaissance we cannot forget those in our midst who struggle. Our prayers, our actions, our resources are needed to help usher in the next generation. The question is not so much how the next generation for Black people will fare; but rather will there be future generations of Black people?
If you answered "YES" to some of these questions, the Social Justice Commission wants to hear from you. Please tell us your success stories about engaging Black Catholics in social justice ministry.
Publish your response to the NBCC Forum, Social Justice Commission at
http://www.nbccongress.org/forum/.
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