"But racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the Christian heart. This evil causes great harm to its victims, and it corrupts the souls of those who harbor racist or prejudicial thoughts. The persistence of the evil of racism is why we are writing this letter now."

 

Read Open Wide Our Hearts   Leer Abramos nuestros corazones

The Mission of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism

The Mission of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism

Bishop Joseph Perry, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, reflects on the work of the ad hoc committee to promote the dignity of all people, made in the image and likeness of God.

U.S. unrest: Pope condemns 'sin of racism'

U.S. unrest: Pope condemns 'sin of racism'

During his general audience June 3, Pope Francis condemned the sin of racism.

Learn More

Latest News

Dr. King's Message Continues to Impact Our Lives Today | January 9, 2025 

Statement by the USCCB President in Commemoration of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024

Statement from the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism on the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Decision

Pastoral Letter on Racial Healing: "We Are One Body" | Archbishop Nelson Perez, June 11, 2023

Pope: Defeat racism with Christian unity | January 25, 2023 

Letter to Congress on the Right to Vote | June 24, 2021

Statement from the President for Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on discrimination against the Asian community

Following the violence in Kenosha, the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Anti-Racism Committee urges a day of prayer and fasting In the wake of the violence in Kenosha, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Ad hoc Committee Against Racism,  offered a reflection before the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

57th Anniversary of the March on Washington and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech
On August 28, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. EDT, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington DC, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, will be the principal celebrant of a Mass to commemorate this anniversary. Auxiliary Bishops Mario Dorsonville, Roy Campbell and Michael Fisher will serve as concelebrants. This Mass will be streamed live on YouTube. The Mass will also be shared on the Archdiocese of Washington's Facebook and Twitter pages.

USCCB and (Arch)diocese Communiqués on the Death of George Floyd and the National Protests

Statement from the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops on George Floyd and the Protests in U.S. Cities
WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued a statement about George Floyd and the protests that have taken place in U.S. cities in recent days.

Statement from the committee chairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops following the death of George Floyd and the national protests
WASHINGTON – Seven American bishops who are committee chairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests that have erupted in Minneapolis and other cities in the United States.

In the Wake of Horrific Hate-Filled Violence in El Paso, USCCB Immigration Chair, National Social Development Chair, and Ad Hoc Committee Chair Against Racism Call for Change in Language and Rhetoric for All Americans | August 8, 2019

U.S. Bishops Approve "Open Our Hearts: The Unceasing Call to Love," a pastoral letter against racism | November 15, 2018

USCCB President Calls for Prayer, Reflection, Civility, and Dialogue | July 8, 2018

Statement of Support for the New Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism of the Executive Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops | September 12, 2017

USCCB Task Force to Promote Peace in Our Communities: Report and Recommendations | November 10, 2016

USCCB President Calls for Dialogue and Peace Amid Violence | July 18, 2016

 

New Resources

Mass for Pardon Template for Local Adaptation 

Holy Hour Against Racism

Practical Steps for Eradicating Racism: An Invitation - This Guide was prepared to assist Catholics and people of good will in reflecting on the evil and harm of racism. While this is not a comprehensive list, it provides actionable steps that may assist Catholics to reflect and respond in faith.

Stations of the Cross: Overcoming Racism (en Español)
This new Stations of the Cross resource on overcoming racism can help you, your family, or faith community reflect on the pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. A rich Lenten reflection, this prayer resource can help open our hearts to the persistent sin of racism and the call to help overcome it.

Prayer Against Racism

Everyone Belongs children's book on the reality of racism and our Catholic response 

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - Study Guide

St. Peter Claver Prayer Service 2021 Printable Version

Mass Formulary-St. Peter Claver 2019 Printable Version

The USCCB, the Catholic Mobilizing Network, the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), the United States Catholic Mission Association recently hosted a webinar full of ideas for implementing the call of "Open Wide Our Hearts" in your community.

Catholic Mobilizing Network recently released new short video in honor of Black History Month highlight important lessons from the USCCB's recent pastoral letter against racism, "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love."

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism | Abramos nuestros corazones: El incesante llamado al amoarta pastoral contra el racismo

Check out the educational resources and parish resources that were created to accompany the pastoral letter against racism.