Statement on Racism against Asians

The recent and on-going attacks on Asians and Asian-Americans in our State and in our Country are irreconcilable with Christian and American values. It cannot be denied that California has a long history of racial prejudice against people from Asia, a long history of shame, a long history to be overcome. As Catholics we are called to be “universal” Christians. It is the first and most important definition of the word “catolicos” or “catholic.” As universal Christians, as Catholics, we are called to be the first among all people to reject prejudice, the first to defend human rights, the first to work for justice and equality, and the first to demonstrate respect for people of every nation, culture, and ethnic origin. If we fail to live up to our responsibility, if we fail to speak up and to act up, we fail to live up to our own identity as Catholics.