Forum: Do we cherish the shade of each person in our family as we cherish the variety of colors of flowers?

In a 1780’s “Casta” painting shown at the San Antonio Museum of Art for the 300^th birthday of San Antonio, we see 15 shades of skin color of the children born as Spaniards related to indigenous people and to black people. Do we cherish the shade of each person in our family as we cherish the variety of colors of flowers? 

Please, consider to leave a comment.

How to Comment on this? Bellow you will see this:

1. Click on “Post a Comment” The text of the link will change, if there are already comments. For instance, if there are six comments, the link will say “6 comments” instead of Post a Comment” or “Leave a comment.”

2. Type your comment on the comment.

3. Click an identity from the list. You can choose “Anonymous.” It won't display any information which could identify you.  "Other" prompts you to enter a name you wish to be identified by and an email address, which isn't displayed. If you have a Gmail identity or Blogger, log in.

4. Click “Preview” to proofread your comment.

5. Click “Publish” when you're satisfied with the comment.

Thank you!

Restorative Justice, Compassion, Nonviolence: Peruvian and US Anniversaries

 

Bishop Luis Bambarén, who was the official observer on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Peru, spoke to a UIW Study Tour that included Incarnate Word Sisters in 2002.  

The Peruvian and US Anniversaries on August 28, 2020, were invitations to reflection and conversion. Peruvians observed the 17th anniversary of the Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission  which had been accepted by the government on August 28, 2003. https://www.cverdad.org.pe/ingles/pagina01.php  The nine-volume report on human rights abuses estimated that over 69,000 people had been killed in the last two decades of 20^th century.  

In the 1980’s as injustices in Peruvian society were publicly pointed out, groups began to turn to violence.  Then the government responded with more violence rather than efforts to listen and respond to the roots of the problems.  With groups, like Sendero Luminoso and with government forces, violence was used more and more.  

While the government may not have killed quite as many people, their approaches fueled ever more violence. Seventeen years ago, the Peruvian government accepted the report of the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission,” not denying guilt. 

Monsignor Luis Bambarén Gastelumendi, Bishop of  Chimbote and President of the Episcopal Conference of Peru, was the official observer on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  He is a friend of the Incarnate Word Sisters. Sisters continued ministering during the challenging years of violence. See articles that include some on the Sisters and ministry in Peru "Danger Did Not Drive Us Out of Peru" https://www.globalsistersreport.org/column/ministry/el-peligro-no-nos-hizo-salir-de-per%C3%BA-42391   and in English https://www.globalsistersreport.org/column/ministry/danger-did-not-drive-us-out-peru-37021  "The World Will Be Saved By Beauty"  https://www.globalsistersreport.org/column/environment/world-will-be-saved-beauty-52076  "Washerwoman God" https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/spirituality/column/washerwomen-god-invites-us  

August 28, 2020, was the 57^th anniversary of the “March on Washington” in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a speech “I have a dream.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IB0i6bJIjw&feature=youtu.be He had said if there was not a movement towards justice, unrest would continue in the U.S.  That has proved true and thousands marched on Washington for the 57th anniversary.  They lamented the murder of another Black person and the patterns of racism. 

In San Antonio, Texas, considering the killing of George Floyd, on June 7, 2020, people of many faiths gathered in a Prayer Vigil for #BlackLivesMatter  which  was livestreamed by NOWCastSA.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Aj-l9mp9c  from in front of San Fernando Cathedral and many people participated virtually. 

The mayor and religious leaders spoke and faculty and students of the University of the Incarnate Word contributed a litany of people of color who had been killed.  Dr. Danielle Alsandor, Ms. Brandi Coleman, Ms. Casey Ogechi Iwuagwu, Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, Michael Mercer, Darcy E. Renfro, Dr. Ronald Washington can be seen sharing the Litany for Racial Justice https://www.screencast.com/t/KJqtRWvu 

To see the text of the litany go to https://saccvi.blogspot.com/2020/06/compassionate-action-builds-our.html

While great challenges continue in Peru in the face of poverty and in the face of corruption, yet people of the US could learn something from Peruvians, as from South Africans and Rwandans.  A society cannot find “easy reconciliation.”  Deep efforts are needed to unveil truths of violence and oppression.

As more truth is discovered, all sides, all groups need ongoing formation in restorative justice.   Retributive justice, looking back and trying to “even out violence” cannot create a positive future.  For people to go into a brighter future, to forge respect and bonds, restorative justice is needed.  Transformative education is needed for the children of victims and the children of the perpetrator to learn to live together and co-create a flourishing society.

Educational movements are growing.  The Charter for Compassion https://charterforcompassion.org/ encourages education https://charterforcompassion.org/partners/education at all levels. Compassionate Integrity Training https://www.compassionateintegrity.org/ is spreading globally and their manual in Spanish, in English, and in German can be downloaded https://www.compassionateintegrity.org/downloads/.  Pace e Bene, https://paceebene.org/ founded by Franciscans offers extensive resources, classes, and invites all to Campaign Nonviolence. https://paceebene.org/action-week These can further transformative education and reconciliation rather than ongoing circles of violence.

Thirty some Incarnate Word Sisters, friends, and co-ministers from Mexico, Peru, and the US participated in the 2020 Campaign Nonviolence educational events remembering the 75 anniversary of the nuclear bombs. They attended the August 6 Vigil, the August 7 Nonviolence Training, and/or the August 8, 2020 large conference. Recordings of all of these events can be seen  https://paceebene.org/cnvconference2020 in English.  Pace e Bene has had classes and resources in Spanish and is working to get more and more available.

In the face of systemic racism, ongoing efforts for “truth and reconciliation” are urgently needed. Each person is encouraged to disarm her or his heart.  All are encouraged to listen to each other. 

3 Things CCVIs and others can do to help heal the sin of racism

The horrific killing of George Floyd, an African-American man, in Minneapolis, MN, by white Minneapolis police officers has left us heart broken and with feelings of outrage and disbelief that such crimes continue to take place in our country.

What positive steps can CCVIs and our ministries take to help heal the sin of racism, both individual and systemic?

1.  HAVE CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS:  

MACC (the Mexican American Catholic College) invites you to a critical conversation on how systemic violence is as silently accepted as the air we breathe. Recent events, however, have shockingly reminded us that those who are targeted because of their race cannot breathe in this deadly status quo. The Zoom session will provide an overview of the history of white supremacy in the USA and Latin America...and its resurgence in our time.  Participants will participate in smaller zoom room conversations to contextualize racism in their particular reality and how Catholic Social Teaching can be a source of life-giving breath for those who are dying. 

Let MACC know if you are interested in participating. They will poll you for a time that works for all.  Please RSVP to:  ocampos@maccsa.org

This posting is taken from MACC's Facebook page:  The Mexican American Catholic Coll

2.  EDUCATE OURSELVES:  Learn about white privilege and systemic racism

CLICK HERE to read a powerful and challenging article by Fr. Massingale:  

"The assumptions of white privilege and what we can do about it." 

Recommendation:  Reflect personally on this article and then engage with 1 or more persons, if possible, via an online format (or in person, using social distancing) in a critical conversation on white privilege and systemic racism.

3.  PROPHETIC STATEMENT:  Pray and reflect on the CCVI Congregational Statement on Systemic Racism

CLICK HERE  for the CCVI statement on systemic racism, May 31, 2020.

Recommendation:  Reflect personallh on the statement and then engage with others in conversation on how we can live out the statement. What are you willing to commit to?  How might we challenge ourselves as congregation to move forward in this effor to dismantle systemic racism?

We stand with you!

National Black Sisters' Conference: Official Statement 

US Bishops statement: http://www.usccb.org/news/2020/20-83.cfm
LCWR statement: https://lcwr.org/media/news/lcwr-condemns-killing-george-floyd

Other resources:

Open Wide Our Hearts: http://www.usccb.org/…/open-wide-our-hearts-bulletin-insert…
Combatting Racism: http://www.usccb.org/racism
Together against brutality: News

“We call for an END to the systemic racism that allows this culture of corruption to go unchecked and our lives to be taken” See the Demands: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/2005_email_blm_defund

Podcasts about racial justice: https://hope-hard-pills.simplecast.com

Speech from a Racial justice activist: https://www.facebook.com/535475596/posts/10163706458825597/?d=n

From Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS

Poverty: A Result of Structural Inequality

Image created by Carolyn Chelsie

Who wants to be poor? According to the United Nations’ Report, 55% of the world’s population cannot access social protection, 122 women for every 100 men of the same age group are living in extreme poverty, and climate change is increasing poverty of low-income countries. The poverty scenario is devastating. No one wishes to live in poverty. Thousands of organizations are trying to end poverty for a long time. The complex reality of poverty is a call to analyze why poverty increases instead of decreases. Although some people believe that poverty is inevitable and the poor don’t do enough, poverty has roots in the current structural inequality that can be solved by the empowerment of women and protecting the environment. 

If poverty is recognized as structural inequality, the end of poverty is possible. First,  every citizen should recognize that poverty has economic reasons as the principal determinant of the cycle of poverty (Foster). Everyone can see the difference between the rich and the poor. For instance, the Oxfam Report explains that 85 people have more wealth than half of all the population in the world (Foster). This information should be uncomfortable because these systems are enabling an elite to accumulate vast fortunes at the expense of others. A wealthy elite is an outrageous reality. It shows how economic systems are unequal.  In addition, there are some places that have eradicated poverty. Countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have achieved levels of equity for their citizens. Their government model focuses on social security and employment (Hodgson). The governments have a commitment to work against poverty as a central part of their strategy. In conclusion, poverty is not an abstract situation; poverty has real faces and places. Therefore poverty is a failure of the systems, which means the inequality of the economy should be changed. This gap can't be resolved without the will to build more solidarity economies.

If poverty is recognized as structural inequality, the mistaken belief that the poor are lazy can be overcome. First of all, who are the poor? What is the face of poverty? Where do they live? Identifying the marginalized groups is not hard. For example, 45.8% of black children under 6 years live below poverty, compared to 14.5% of white children in the United States (State of Working America). Most of the poor are women, blacks, and indigenous people; but of course, the most disadvantaged groups would vary from country to country. The relationship between discrimination and poverty is evident. It is crucial to identify structural discrimination in “neutral” policies that have disproportional impacts. Neutral policies try not to be discriminatory but in practice they are. In the same way, it is clear that there are low wages. The problem is not that people don’t work enough, the problem is that they are underpaid. It happens everywhere even if the country is considered rich or developed. To illustrate, according to Stephen Pimpare, poverty is common in the United States. It is not a consequence of irresponsibility or immorality. He supported the results of the Census Bureau which shows that one-third of residents in the United States fall below the poverty line at least once for 2 or 3 months (Pimpare). To sum up, briefly, breaking up poverty has to look at the discrimination and low wages. Ending poverty doesn’t depend just on the poor’ efforts. It has to be addressed from structural systems. 

When poverty is recognized as structural inequality, the systems of privilege will disappear. A system of privilege refers to keeping advantages for some and disadvantages for others. It forms part of the social structure and makes it unfair for marginalized groups. In light of the above, education and health care are the major forms of the system of privilege.  Populations in poor areas receive an inferior education than populations in wealthier areas.  For instance, in the system of privilege a child must attend an underdeveloped public school or a girl is guided toward caregiving instead of leadership. Under those circumstances, the child doesn’t have equal preparation to excel. The females often assume roles that are subordinate. By the same token, health care in the system of privilege is unequal. The poor cannot cover their medical costs. In fact, according to Shervin Assari, 13.5% of the poor in the United States would be victims of the proposed modification of health care. Accordingly, poor people will not be able to attend to their health on time or they will incur debts. As shown above, the system of privilege stymies the concept that all groups have equal access to universal health care and education. 

The solution to poverty has to address structural inequality by promoting women’s rights and environmental care. The current structural systems unfairly affect the living conditions of the poor and it should be changed. As Shervin Assari indicated, the end of poverty requires structural changes. This is non-negotiable.  To be specific, first, women empowerment can break poverty because women have a crucial role in society. The government must work toward eliminating gender disparity and promoting women's rights.  One example would be removing gender stereotypes from books. Equally, all countries should train in sustaining the environment. The environment sustains us with a variety of resources. But in the last few years, the world has suffered from different environmental problems more often than before, such as floods, forest fires, and other natural disasters. The global population must put more pressure on the forces that exploit the environment. It is necessary to find ways to protect diversity and local populations. Working on sustainability is an assignment for all.   

In conclusion, poverty is erasable; it is a result of structural inequality and it can not be overcome individually. Organizations, governments, and citizens must work together. It is time to hear the cry of the poor and the earth (Pope Francis). I believe that humanity has the power to end poverty, but we need the will of the whole community. We'll see the change. I believe that we’ll find a way to work as global citizens, like one family.  

--

Bibliography

Assari, Shervin. “Why Poverty Is Not a Personal Choice, but a Reflection of Society.” The Conversation, 24 Dec. 2019, theconversation.com/why-poverty-is-not-a-personal-choice-but-a-reflection-of-society-79552.

Foster, Dawn. “Why Poverty Isn't Inevitable.” New Humanist, 2015, newhumanist.org.uk/articles/4846/why-poverty-isnt-inevitable.

“Goal 1: End Poverty in All Its Forms Everywhere - United Nations Sustainable Development.” United Nations, United Nations, www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/poverty/

Hodgson, Geoffrey M. “What the World Can Learn about Equality from the Nordic Model.” The Conversation, 18 Feb. 2020, theconversation.com/what-the-world-can-learn-about-equality-from-the-nordic-model-99797.

Pimpare, Stephen. “Analysis | Laziness Isn't Why People Are Poor. And iPhones Aren't Why They Lack Health Care.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 8 Mar. 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2017/03/08/laziness-isnt-why-people-are-poor-and-iphones-arent-why-they-lack-health-care/.

Pope, Franciscus. “Laudato Si' (24 May 2015): Francis.” Laudato Si' (24 May 2015) | Francis, 24 May 2015, www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html.

“Poverty.” State of Working America, 2010, www.stateofworkingamerica.org/index.html%3Fp=4193.html

Catholics Participate in #Rally2EndRacism

A reflection by Jennifer Reyes Lay 

April 3-5, 2018 thousands gathered in Washington D.C. to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by continuing his work to end racism with the launch of "A.C.T. Now: Rally 2 End Racism."  This initiative was sponsored by the National Council of Churches in the U.S. and endorsed by a variety of faith-based organizations including LCWR, NETWORK, the Franciscan Action Network, and Pax Christi USA.  A.C.T. stands for Awaken, Confront, and Transform, reflecting the call to awaken people of faith to the reality of racism and our historical ties to it, confronting the racism that is still prevalent in the Church and in the world, and working to transform these systems of racial oppression. 

Jennifer Reyes Lay,
Assistant Director of JPIC Office

The event began on Tuesday evening, April 3rd with an ecumenical prayer service at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  Representatives from both the World Council of Churches and National Council of Churches offered their reflections on the event and the importance of people of faith coming together and committing to finish the work to end racism. 

On Wednesday, April 4th, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., tens of thousands of people gathered at the MLK Memorial on the National Mall for prayer and silence in memory of Dr. King and all who have gone before us in the fight to end racism.  From the MLK Memorial, marchers processed in silence to the middle of the national mall where the Rally 2 End Racism was held throughout the day, featuring a powerful and diverse list of presenters speaking to the topics of awakening, confronting, and transforming.  The Rally kicked off with an interfaith prayer service including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and many others.  Present at the march was a small but mighty group of Catholics against racism made up of both lay and religious. 

In front of the MLK Memorial

To view many of the moving speeches from the Rally check out the website from the event here: http://www.rally2endracism.org/the-launch/. 

After being energized and inspired by the Rally on Wednesday, Thursday was a day of action and advocacy on Capitol Hill.  We participated in legislative visits to our Senators and Representatives, sharing with them the legislative priorities related to racism identified by this campaign such as environmental racism, gun violence, mass incarceration, education inequalities, immigration policies, and exploitative economic practices such as pay day loans.  Those who weren't able to attend the Rally were also encouraged to engage in local advocacy visits and voter registration campaigns in the cities in which they live. 

It was powerful to see so many different Christian denominations coming together and making a public commitment to work to end racism.  This event was just the kick off for a multi-year campaign to encourage faith communities to awaken themselves to the reality of racism, confront this legacy tied to our faith tradition, and transform ourselves and our communities to end racism once and for all.  As people of faith we have a responsibility to work to realize the kingdom of God here on earth, building beloved community where all are free and able to live the lives that God has intended for them.  Ending racism is a vital part of this kingdom building work, and with the commitment displayed at the Rally 2 End Racism, I am hopeful that we can make serious progress on eliminating this sin that has plagued our communities for so long. 

To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit: http://www.rally2endracism.org. 

Relationship Building with Sr. Dr. Eva Lumas

Sr. Dr. Eva Lumas, SSS

On April 26, 2018 the Incarnate Word Foundation as part of their "Recon" programming and initiative sponsored an evening with Sr. Dr. Eva Lumas, SSS at St. Alphonsus "Rock" Church.  She spoke about the power and importance of building strong, diverse relationships.  Sr. Lumas is a Sister of Social Service who has taught at the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, CA since 1994 and is currently serving as the Interim Co-Director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies in Louisiana.  She has taught and lectured throughout the country on topics of faith and culture, interculturation, catechesis and Black spirituality.  She has also served as the Coordinator of Catechetical Programs for the National Black Sisters' Conference. 

North City Deanery Choir

The program was also sponsored by the North City Deanery (NCD) Interracial Relations Committee and the Peace & Justice Commission of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  The NCD Interracial Relations Committee brings together predominantly white and predominantly black Catholic Churches within North City to build relationships across racial lines. 

Sr. Helena Monahan, CCVI

The program began with praise and worship music led by the North City Deanery Choir.  Then there was an initial welcome by a member of the Interracial Relations Committee and opening prayer by the pastor of St. Alphonsus, Fr. Rick Potts.  Sr. Helena Monahan, CCVI was present representing the Incarnate Word Foundation and offered a Scripture reading from 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, 12:12-13. 

Sr. Lumas then offered the keynote presentation on her reflections and own personal stories of building relationships with those who are different from you.  She shared six important characteristics of relationship building: 1) Acknowledge there is always more to learn.  2) Learn what we don't know.  We only know the world as we see it.  How do others see it?  3) It is so important to show up.  When you show up in new spaces, be open to change.  4) You might have to wait, but keep showing up.  Just because you are present doesn't mean that you will be welcomed right away.  Be persistent.  5) Be willing to open yourself up.  Don't make those in the present pay for the sins of the past.  Believe that this time, this relationship could be different.  6) Find mentors in this work.  It is important to process and spend time with others. 

In a world that is so divided today, it is important work to build close relationships with those who come from a different cultural background than you.  This is also important peace building work.  It is much harder to hate or cause harm to someone you know personally and care about, so diversifying one's friendships and communities is an important part of building a culture of peace and nonviolence.  The work to end racism and the work of nonviolence go hand in hand. 

Listening to the Cries of the Earth, the Cries of the Poor

Responding to Pope Francis' call to hear the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor, a group of 35 people gathered in St. Louis, MO for an ecumenical prayer service on Thursday evening, September 28th as part of the Season of Creation.  The prayer service was organized by the Intercommunity Ecological Council which is made up of women's religious congregations in LCWR Region X, including the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  It was also co-sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Louis Peace and Justice Commission.

Sr. Carla Mae Street offers the reflection

The prayer service wove together excerpts from Pope Francis' Laudato Si, statements from the world day of prayer for creation, and reflections on the current reality of pollution, climate change, and environmental racism.  Sr. Carla Mae Streeter OP offered the main reflection, inviting those present to reflect on who they are, and where they are.  In the work to care for our common home, there has to be a change of heart in human beings to see their interconnectedness with all of creation and to respond with creativity and compassion to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor.  

After reflecting on both the beauty of creation and the ways we contribute to her destruction, each table offered one petition of praise and one petition of lament during a communal prayers of the people.  The response after each petition was the Taize refrain "Kyrie Kyrie Eleison" which was used to connect to the ecumenical Taize service in France which was held earlier this month as part of the Season of Creation.  

Each participant was also invited to write down on a ribbon something or someone that they love in the created universe, because we will protect what we love.  These ribbons were hung up on a string and then at the end of the prayer service each person was invited to take a ribbon that wasn't theirs and to incorporate what was written on there into their own prayer and promise to protect.  The closing prayer ended with all participants repeating the Laudato Si pledge to pray for and with creation, live more simply, and advocate to protect our common home.  

Participants take a ribbon mentioning a part of creation
they will pray for and protect 

Overall it was a beautiful service to honor and celebrate our connection to creation as well as deepen our commitment to hear and respond to the cries of the earth and the cries of the poor.  

Thanks to all who were able to join us!  

A Reflection on Racism and Sexism

Wednesday, March 8th I found myself amidst a line of women, linked hand in hand in solidarity for women’s rights locally and internationally. We wore the color black to honor and remember those who lost their lives fighting for equality, representation, and justice. Additionally, we represented those in societies where women have limited presence outside of the traditional roles. As we looped around the Mercado Modelo and up towards the Plaza de Armas, I could not help but wonder where were all the other women in Chimbote? How does the struggle differ for Afro-Peruvian Women? and better yet how does my own experience as a Black Woman from the United States relates to the diaspora in Peru? Perhaps these questions do not have definite answers and maybe that is how it should be, for the vagueness leaves room for growth and improvement.

In conversations with Chimbotanos I often hear “We live in a machismo society.” This statement holds true in a consistent subtle manner. In the way that few women drive, men are not expected to contribute to the household besides providing income, and the domestic violence both physical and verbal that often goes unresolved, are just a few examples. Machismo, the strong and often aggressive masculine pride, is so rooted in the culture that often citizens do not realize that it is a problem worth correcting. Knowing that a female is unequal and treated more like an object rather than a whole person who deserves respect, can lead to complacency and jadedness if unable to find an outlet. The greater problem lies in when one has grown up in such a society that to consider an alternate way of living is beyond anyone’s imagining. However, that does not mean that all women are satisfied with the imbalance of power and willing to remain mute. I believe there is an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the treatment of women both in Chimbote and even globally that has been made evident with campaigns such as “Ni una menos” and informational fairs encouraging women to speak up and step out of the abusive relationship. 

“El que no tiene de Igna tiene de Mandigna”

     Outside of the immediate context of Chimbote, the themes of racism and sexism touch women of color in Peru and the United States in parallel ways. As a Black American Woman raised in the land of freedom and the American Dream, the color of my skin and my gender automatically set me back from my peers. The moment I enter into the workforce my pay would most likely be less than that of my male counterparts and my features would not be deemed as beautiful but rather something to mock and change as a result of historical events. Recently throughout the United States, women of color have been making some headway with obtaining greater representation in the media and visual images. According to a Huffington Post article, Black feminists are pushing to be incorporated into the daily perception of beauty rather than as exocitic or appropriated. The movement initially focused on  reproductive issues, equality in health care prevention of sexual harassment, and other pertinent issues. However, Lindsay Hoffman, the writer, explains that “[today] the movement is pushing for the return of African-American women to African standards of beauty, as seen in the natural hair movement. In a society where only one type of beauty is celebrated, the Black feminist is working so that we not only call silky hair and light skin pretty but also coarse, kinky hair and dark skin.” TV shows such as “Scandal” and “Because of Jane” help to portray African American women who are intelligent, influential, and graceful. Opposed to the common “Angry black woman” or the “servant” stereotype. Thus improving the idea that Black woman can obtain high level positions and/or be educated. Fortunately, Black feminist are aiming to include voices of all minorities and to address the multifaceted nature of the woman.

The progress of the Black feminist movement has encouraged Latinas with African ancestry to unite by creating a label for themselves: Afro-Latinas. Unfortunately, media often omits or rather diminishes cultural diversity both within the United States and Latin America. The issue of colorism, which is privileging lighter skin over darker skin, within Peru specifically, creates a false reality that is then attempted to be made real via individual interactions and governmental legislation. From a CNN article commenting on the complexities of prejudice in Peru, the piece explains that “the country has socio-economic gaps along race lines and its inherent, if subtle, discrimination can mean an indigenous woman may only ever work as a maid; a black man may only ever aspire to be a hotel doorman.” In other words, fair skinned women with the ideal body type, following European beauty standards, are those who have the best entertainment roles, jobs, and overall societal treatment. Yet this ignores so many of those who have contributed to the country’s story. But as a foreigner, I did not want to force my experiences and understanding of racism to that of Peru’s. Therefore, out of curiousity I asked Peruvian women their perspective on racism and gender discrimination in Peru.

Initially, their responses invited me to think that racism does not really exist in Chimbote or Peru at large. Instead the use of words such as “Negra” and “Morena” are used to identify someone because of their difference just as one might say “Gorda” or “Flaca.” However from Afro Peruvians themselves, their experiences say otherwise. From a Youtube channel, Una Chica Afroperuana, two girls talk about comments they are tired of hearing. Comments such as, “eres bonita para ser negra/ you are pretty for a black girl” and “la mayoria de cosas negativas, lo vinculamos con el color negro/ the majority of negative things are described with the color black.” In other words, being black is associated to being not good enough and the very word has negative connotations. One has to wonder why hardly anyone says “you are pretty for a white girl.” These examples show that perhaps the racial discrimination may not be as apparent or oblivious as in the United States but it exists nonetheless.

If we follow the definition of the word “racism,” the belief that a particular race is superior or inferior to another thus determining cultural or individual achievement; then clearly Afro-Peruvian women are combating against more than machismo. Fortunately, their voices are beginning to be acknowledged. From a BBC article In 2010, Frecuencia Latina, a popular Peruvian channel, suspended a popular comedic character called El Negro Mama due to threat of legal action from Lundu, an African-Peruvian civil rights organisation led by Monica Carrillo. In 2012, an Afro-Peruvian woman became the first to win a racial discrimination case in Peru. Activist groups such as Ashanti Peru, based in Lima, make it their mission to strengthen Afro identity, leadership, human rights, and culture, locally and nationally.

Regrettably, women are still dealing with too many setbacks in today’s society, but if we choose to unite under dignity and love for one another, change is possible. With organizations such as La Casa de la Mujer, Lundu, and Ashanti Peru, the fight to continue uplifting women regardless of economic standing, cultural makeup, or skin color will persist. While keeping in mind women’s rights and equal representation. Thus, using International Women’s Day, not just a day to celebrate the power and beauty of women, but rather the reminder that yes, we have come along way, but we still have a long way to go! In the words of Bell Hooks, an American feminist and social activist, “The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom.” 


By Selene Mitchell - Incarnate Word Missionary

A Call to Mercy and Justice

By Jennifer Reyes Lay

Opening ceremonies of welcome and exchange

Last weekend Nov. 11-13^th I had the opportunity to attend Call To Action’s annual conference, hosted this year in Albuquerque, NM.  The theme for the Conference was “One Earth, One People, A Call to Mercy and Justice.”  Incorporating this theme into the spirit and activities of the Conference, there were many different presentations from people of various cultures, ethnicities, and parts of the world, sharing about our common work for mercy and justice.  Liturgical and prayer celebrations included song, dance, movement, and reflection from indigenous communities of Albuquerque and indigenous Latino communities.  The Conference opened with a special ceremony of representatives from one of the local indigenous communities welcoming us into their space and land, and sharing gifts of friendship and hospitality.  It then continue with women sharing stories about their ancestors, and honoring our various stories of how they arrived from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.  The preacher for the closing liturgy was a Navajo man who helped us (Catholics) reflect on our complicity in the Doctrine of Discovery and genocide of native peoples, and call us to repentance and conversion to respect and honor all peoples and creation.   

Young adults with Fr. Richard Rohr

During the weekend there were three main keynote presentations.  Friday night’s keynote was by Fr. Richard Rohr, reflecting on the dynamic relationship of God through the Trinity, and the transformative power that has to offer the Church and the world.  He focused on how relationship, specifically a relationship of giving and receiving love, is central to understanding and experiencing our God.  We too are called to model this dynamic relationship of giving and receiving love in our lives and interactions with the whole of creation.  Saturday’s keynote was a panel of young adult Catholics, sharing about their experiences of being church, Catholic identity, and building intergenerational communities.  It was a lively and inspiring conversation that fueled a lot of hope for moving forward together as an intergenerational church committed to the work of justice and peace in our world.  Sunday’s keynote was presented by Dr. Greer Gordon, a Roman Catholic theologian, author, and lecturer known for her work in the field of apologetics, evangelization, and catechetics.  She offered a powerful witness and challenge of what is means to be the body of Christ in the U.S. today given the reality of a Trump presidency.  She spoke of her own personal experiences of being targeted by racism and encouraged all those present to not give in to fear, but to stand as prophetic witnesses, imaging Christ in the world, and being prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice just like he did if necessary.  She challenged us to reflect on and take seriously what it means to be followers of Christ in the world today, and to act accordingly, pushing the Church to do the same where it currently fails to do so. 

Members of the CTA 20/30 community

In addition to the keynote speakers, there were many workshops held throughout the Conference on a wide range of topics including our responsibility to protect and care for the environment, decolonization and shadow work, peace and nonviolence, Latina and mujerista theology, mercy and restorative justice, and interfaith perspectives among others.  The Conference also had particular spaces for me, as a young adult Catholic, to gather with other young adults in our 20s and 30s to build community and share ideas.  I really appreciated these spaces to network with other young adults inspired by their faith to work for peace and justice in the world.  They give me a lot of hope for the years ahead of us! 

Joint CTA and Strong Families Press Conference

Call to Action as an organization has also made a commitment to actively work to become an anti-racist, anti-oppressive organization and to dismantle structural racism in our church and in the world.  Part of this work involves connecting with local organizations and communities where the Conference is held to see how they can partner with them to lift up their own local work against racism and oppression.  At this year’s conference, CTA partnered with Strong Families New Mexico to hold a joint march and press conference for mercy and justice.  Strong Families is active in the Albuquerque area supporting victims of violence and discrimination and working for justice.  Together CTA and Strong Families held a march with signs stating that we stand in solidarity together, we call for mercy and justice in our communities, and that love will always trump hate and violence.  I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in this action of solidarity. 

Overall it was a wonderful weekend, full of inspiring and challenging messages of how to be the body of Christ in the world today, particularly in light of the divides and hateful rhetoric we have experienced in this past election cycle.  The message I was left with is that we have a lot of work to do, but we can take comfort in the knowledge that we do not do this work alone.  God is with us as we stand together to create a world of mercy and justice for all.