2004 MLK Weekend
Cultural Diversity Dialogue
This program initiative is premised on the proposition that there remain unreconciled differences between Blacks and Whites and by logical extension between Black and White Catholics. These need to be addressed. It is hoped that by so doing greater mutual benefits can be realized than by not. Well-intentioned dialogue, perhaps, would open minds to better understanding of the causes of Black/White differences and divisiveness. Maybe it would help to open the hearts to authentic and mutual acts of contrition and forgiveness, and a more sincere appreciation for the preciousness of the image and likeness of God that is extant in the gift of human life. If just some of this were to occur, it would surely reflect positive movement towards reconciliation? If God comes to us at times through others, as our faith informs us, would this not suggest the possibility of expanded experiences of God’s distinct presence in those newly formed human relationships, heretofore consciously or unconsciously inhibited by irrational and unenlightened, or otherwise, pre-dispositions?
The Office for Black Catholic Ministry is not suggesting that a majority of Whites in the United States are daily, or actively acting out their prejudices against Blacks. Rather, it is suggesting that the ugly reality of racism continue to exist, flaring up at times in less than its usual more subtle forms, i.e., the brutal East Texas incident where a Black man was dragged behind a pickup truck, by White men, until his body was mutilated. This form of violent manifestation of unrequited racism, seemingly, hides itself in a state of dormancy, awakening periodically to wreak human havoc, enliven historical racial animosities, and give rise to civic dissonance. The United States is fortunate not to have experienced the internecine slaughters, except perhaps for that of the Civil War, that other countries have experienced. Still, we can predict with a degree of certainty that unreconciled racial antipathies are more likely to continue to manifest themselves and to cause human harm than not.
The proposition of encouraging racial dialogue and shared experiences is not an isolated notion, and, hopefully, not one that misperceives the nature of racial antagonism in the United States, or its larger and seemingly more violent manifestations globally. Several years ago, the United Nations declared the year 2001 as The International Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations. In a like manner, on January 1 2001, on the occasion of the Celebration of World Day of Peace, Pope John Paul II issued a message entitled, Dialogue Between Cultures for a Civilization of Love and Peace. The Holy Father’s message speaks of the urgency to invite believers in Christ, together with men and women of good will, to reflect on this theme. He emphasizes that such a dialogue is the obligatory path to the building of a reconciled world, a world able to look with serenity to its own future. It is crucial for the pursuit of peace, he adds.
“Individuals come to maturity,” his message continues, “through receptive openness to others and through generous self-giving to them, and so too do cultures, Created by people and at the service of people, cultures have to be perfected through dialogue and communion, on the basis of the original and fundamental unity of the human family as it came from the hands of God who made from one stock every nation of mankind (Acts 17:26).”
The Holy Father goes on to discuss the existence of human diversity in the world and the complexities of human cultures. He urges us not to allow cultural diversity and all its complexities to cause human isolation and disunity. Dialogue should lead to understanding and a greater appreciation for that which is common in all human cultures, and especially to God’s Love for His Human Creation.
To encourage Black and White Catholic discussion groups, as well as others, would certainly be consistent with the encouragement of the Holy Father to do our part in helping to bring about “. . . a Civilization of Love and Peace.” The Office for Black Catholic Ministry will attempt to engage small groups, interested in Black/White racial healing and reconciliation, in a process of structured dialogue and actions in pursuit of racial reconciliation and healing.
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