What Marianists Can Do About Racism

The following are steps that Marianists, individually and as communities, can take to build a society of hospitality and dismantle the dysfunctional system of racism.

1. Inform yourself and your community about racism.

Learn how racism operates. Read “Uprooting Racism” by Paul Kivel. Attend a “Racial Sobriety” workshop by Father Clarence Williams or workshops offered by Crossroads Ministry.

2. Attend one of the Cultural Audit workshops offered by the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative.

The Cultural Audit is a tool to help communities understand cultural values and attitudes and how these affect community life.

3. Plan a workshop for your community, school or church on the nature of racism.

Contact the Anti-Racism Issue Team of the MSJC for information on how to do this.

4. Do social analysis and theological reflection with your community, school, church or institution to determine the best action to take to dismantle racism and build a hospitable community.

5. Invite people of diverse cultures to an evening where ethnic foods and stories of cultural background are shared.

6. Display artwork in your community, home, school, and church depicting people of various cultures.

7. Develop friendships with persons of other cultures and races.

8. Celebrate cultural heroes, holidays and events in your community, home, school and church.

Attend cultural events in your community that promote understanding of the culture, life and history of different racial or ethnic groups.

9. Be public about your commitment to end racism.

This might include writing letters to the editor, involvement in interracial groups in your community, standing with the victims of racism, or some other public effort that addresses the evil of racism.

10. Investigate voting patterns.

Evaluate political candidates at all levels on their stance and activity in opposing racism in all its forms.

11. Develop an appreciation for books, music, films and TV programs that express the values of diverse cultures.

12. Plan ways for your community to meet and work with people of other cultures.

13. Draw on the heritage of various cultures and races for community prayer.

Marianist Prayer for Ending Racism

Holy Mary, to whom we have consecrated our lives, we join with you in prayer. We seek the grace and understanding to be converted from the sin of racism that has infected our society for so many years.

Help us not be in denial of the power systems that still give some privileges at the expense of others.

Help us to use our power and influence in our communities, families, schools, parishes and other institutions to assure appreciation and respect for all cultures.

We are grateful for our call to live and spread the community spirit in which the Body of Christ flourishes and celebrates various gifts and talents. Show us the steps we must take to counteract racism. We pray in the name of Jesus, asking your intercession.

Amen.