Bishop Barber&#039;s Statement on Violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Statement on Violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ
Task Force for Racial Justice
Diocese of Oakland
March 29, 2021

As stated in Brothers and Sisters to Us, issued by the U.S. Catholic bishops in 1979, “Racism is not merely one sin among many; it is a radical evil that divides the human family and denies the new creation of a redeemed world. To struggle against it demands an equally radical transformation, in our own minds and hearts as well as in the structure of our society.”

The racially motivated violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has reinforced the critical and moral imperative to stop the hate and end racism. Recent events in our Oakland community, throughout the Bay Area and across the country, and the caustic rhetoric that marks conversations around responsibility for the pandemic provide ample evidence there is still much work to do. As Christians, we are constantly called to examine our hearts and consciences and assist in removing racial divisions, intolerance, and discrimination.

As we stand with our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters, we denounce all forms of hate, racism, and discrimination. Let us see them as they are, and as we are: Children of God, each created intentionally by God in his own divine image. Every person is sacred and equally valuable. Every form of racism, by definition, is to be rejected, knowing that love for all and a diverse and cohesive society makes us better and is what our faith calls us to build.

“God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34).”

“After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches^* in their hands (Rev. 7:9).”