US Bishops decry racism and
xenophobia amid Covid-19 pandemic
 |
| Families write messages of racial and community unity (2018 Getty Images) |
In a statement released on Tuesday, three U.S. Bishop
express concerns about the increase in incidents of racism and xenophobia amid
fears and anxiety fueled by Covid-19 pandemic.
By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ
The Chairmen of three boards of the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have denounced the incidents of racism and xenophobia
against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage amid the coronavirus
outbreak.
The Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee for Cultural Diversity
in the Church, Archbishop Nelson J. Perez of Philadelphia, the Chairman of the
Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs, Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt
Lake City, and the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee against Racism, Bishop
Shelton J. Fabre jointly released
a statement on 5 May.
“While we have been heartened by the countless acts of
charity and bravery that have been modeled by many, we are also alarmed to note
the increase in reported incidents of bullying and verbal and physical
assaults, particularly against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage,”
the statement reads.
Harassment and discrimination
The Bishops point out that long before state and local
ordinances forced the economic sector to slow down, businesses owned and
operated by Asian Americans were already experiencing a sharp decline in
patronage. In addition, they note that “a high percentage of Asian Americans
work in the health care sector” risking their own health saving lives. Some of
them have experienced rejection and requests to be “treated by someone
else.”
The Bishops also express their closeness to “all those who
have been victims of these vile displays of racism and xenophobia.” These acts
serve as reminders that “racial profiling and discrimination continue to
negatively impact the lives of certain populations, adding to the pain and
suffering already caused by the pandemic.”
The Bishops’ appeal
Referring to these instances of harassment and
discrimination as “unacceptable,” the Bishops call for “a firm rejection
of racial categorizations or presumptions, racially-based verbal assaults and
slurs” and “an end to all forms of violence.” These are “attacks against human
life and dignity and contrary to gospel values,” the statement reads.
Rather, it continues, “the reality of the times and all the
suffering caused by the pandemic call for a stronger resolve towards unity,
demonstrated through acts of solidarity, kindness and love towards one
another.”
The Bishops urge “Catholics, fellow Christians and all
people of good will” to help stop all racially motivated discriminatory actions
and attitudes. They also called on elected officials, public figures and public
institutions to “do all that they can to promote and maintain peace” in
communities.
They ended their statement saying, “We encourage all
individuals, families and congregations to assist in promoting a greater
appreciation and understanding of the authentic human values and cultural
contributions brought by each racial heritage in our country.”
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét