Baltimore archbishop’s pastoral letter on racism a ‘significant step’

The recent release of Archbishop William E. Lori’s pastoral letter on racism, The Journey to Racial Justice, marks a significant step for Baltimore’s Catholic community, and, let us hope, for Baltimore City as a whole.

Two aspects of the statement in particular are noteworthy. First, the statement doesn’t simply denounce racism. Importantly, it takes ownership for the Catholic Church’s participation in this sin, going all the way back to her early involvement in the institution of slavery. By honestly acknowledging this shameful past and its long-lasting effect on the church and society as a whole, the statement offers hope for understanding the roots of racial division that still plague us today.