What Can Catholics Do to Overcome Racism?

[@commscompany1502]

Thank you Fathers. You are doing far more than a lot of people in our Church. Just listening is already a lot.

[@KristynLorraine]

Jesus said "Love thy neighbor" and used the "racism" between Jews and Samaritans in a story to identify who our "neighbor" is. That's all the lesson I need on my "response" to racism.

[@ShaloneCason]

Agree 100%. Some people are waxing far too eloquent and losing Jesus in the mix.

[@gpanthony]

Great simple response! Going back to the Good Samaritan is a great touchstone for a Christian response when you understand the relations between the two cultures at the time.

[@katiexyz3263]

It’s pretty arrogant to say you know everything about the Christian response to racism. No one is perfect and you have not experienced racism so you really are not qualified to say that.

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

@@katiexyz3263 Nobody said that.

[@gregmoldovan5921]

@@katiexyz3263 So if no one has been racist towards us, then we have no say in racism at all? By loving everyone, even those completely different from your or even mean to you, does not touch on racism? If so, you're on the wrong side of the argument. You're antagonizing good people for no reason.

[@eneal2056]

I am an African American who converted to the Catholic Church over forty five years ago at age nineteen. Although I have known some well-meaning Catholics most continue to be extremely racist and unwelcoming in church and parish life. Whether it’s an “Irish” parish or “Spanish”, “Italian” or even my current all-Vietnamese parish, it’s the same thing. I’m the only black person there and sometimes no one will even sit in the same pew as me. Protests are just as bad if not worse! I always say if I had actually known any Catholics I would not have converted.

[@christiericardo3101]

I'm so sorry. You are valiant in clinging to your faith in the face of such obvious bigotry.

[@j.r00n14]

@@jamesparson and E Neal , believe my brothers in CHRIST, the same things has happen to me, my way of dealing with it was to start watching the MASS on tv, I would hope you don't loose your catholic identity, keep your faith up, continue saying the ROSARY, get dvd like Zeffirelli's JESUS of Nazareth, and other dvd's from ewtn , believe me the Holy Spirit will guide us, James please return, I'am praying for you...

[@cb885]

I am sorry brother. do you live in NYC?

[@cb885]

Do not care about other Catholics. i have been discriminated against cos I am Jewish. These things don;t matter bro. What matters is Christ.

[@jackhubert]

Ignor them. Focus on your relationship with God and building friendships.

[@RecoveringLiberal1984]

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

[@commscompany1502]

Who hates who? Ppl are fed up not hating

[@EastLosAngeles1964classic]

Racism equal ignorance

[@kevindantu4149]

Jesus drove the money makers and others who misused the temple. That wasn’t darkness but he did it to bring attention to the message he then taught

[@BroadwayDuchess13]

@Cheryl Waters Posting that without attribution is in very poor taste. Beyond that, it's a little tone-deaf to post platitudes without any real context. Black people are dying -- now is the time to be clear about right and wrong, not just a stolen quotation without any real thought behind it.

[@willh.5512]

THE P'HOGUES buddy give the same energy to the cops that killed those unarmed black civilians. You forget that black people and many poc have it so hard here in america due to systemic racism. I can’t believe that a catholic like you doesn’t stand up for the BLM movement. There are scriptures that specifically say that when there’s injustice happening to our brothers and sister we are here to help and aid them. It is proven that cops spend less hours in the work field than hairdressers. People (especially victims of police brutality) want the reform of these police departments. They want trained professionals HELPING them. So again, please educate yourself in these matters.

[@somethingrandom49092]

MUCH LOVE for Fr. Pierre Toussaint. I'll never forget the time he visited our Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Miami and played a few rounds of basketball (in civilian clothes) with some random secular college guys on our campus gym. Then, he put his habit back on afterward, and those kids were SHOOK. After all, they had just gotten owned by a friar.

[@suru01]

This is such an important conversation and we need to be having it more in the Church. Thank you Fr. Pierre for sharing your experience.

[@catherinemcgee1175]

I have been raised Catholic. In my family we never heard about racism. We went to Catholic School and in our daily life, we were taught to treat others as we would want to be treated.

[@katiexyz3263]

I’m glad you treat others how you want to be treated. What do you do when others don’t?

[@dansedevie123]

I am glad that is what you were taught. I too, went to Catholic school and was taught to treat others as we would want to be treated. Unfortunately, racism was and is very real even in the school system. A lot of it is subtle, but clearly there to those who experience it.

[@joeoleary6813]

Catherine, I could tell things that I experienced in a church called St.pancresius in Lakewood ca. dirty looks, mean stares, even ushers went out of their way to make me feel unwelcomed, I watch the Holy Mass on ewtn, believe me it's in Our church...

[@gavinvangrinsven3402]

Katie Y Then we do the same thing. Ignore and treat them the way we would want to be treated

[@SUZMIC1]

Yes me too ... the main teaching as Catholics was to treat everyone like you were treating the Lord Himself. Even as a little kid I got it!

[@saramallett7467]

Father Pierre- thank you very being really real, raw and honest. And thank you so much for making this video. I’m so happy someone said something about how Catholics can respond and it’s so important.

[@commscompany1502]

Thanks brother for saying ppl in the Church do these things too - although some are unaware. Being black and Catholic is an extra calling but God is good.

[@lilyvictoria1799]

Comms Company Its an experience Black Catholics and other Black Christians are all to familiar with unfortunately. There is no place for racism in the Catholic Church or any other denomination for that matter.

[@kenzychristy87]

Being African descent would better introduction rather than Colour Black.

[@workinprogress-ye5or]

@@cdd1322 Well, this is from a church that once had different ones for Italians, Irish, Polish, etc. I get to some degree why, but years later, when English was learned, they still stuck to same church and if you were an interloper......But when I went to a Spanish speaking church accidentally once trying to find one at a time I could do, they were very friendly. I didn't understand a lot. but lots of smiles, sign of peace, people left seats to say hello. Made me smile

[@luzvaca4738]

Jesus help me see what you see and feel what you feel ...about .... Beautiful,powerful and simple prayer. I will definitely apply it in my life. Thank you.

[@commscompany1502]

Beautiful prayer Fr Pierre. I will pass that on

[@Austin_Schulz]

I have no right to complain, so don't consider this a complaint, but strangely enough, I went to a small, mostly Hispanic high school and every time a social issue came up, I'd get a lot of glares, like, "This is your fault." I came to learn the terms, "gringo" and "blue blood" (the latter from a teacher). They'd even ask me why white people were all racist... which is strange, considering I'm mostly Hispanic. I just have really light skin and a white father. Knowing that other people have it way worse makes me sad. I wish we all could come together and realize that race is completely made up by man to seperate ourselves from each other. Seriously, it has little scientific basis. Maybe that would help.

[@issemayhem]

You have just as much right to your opinion as anyone else. Like you said: race is of man not God

[@rynolin342]

I agree with you man. I think when we make every situation about skin color it just creates more racism. Many activist groups almost create reverse racism by saying white people don't understand. We are all here together and we should not be treating each other as if there are sides like in a war.

[@Austin_Schulz]

@Wood Warbler Genetic variation doesn't necessarily denote race. Races are clearly defined; there are no spectrums of differences between them (but they CAN breed with one another). An example would be breeds of dogs. Early scientists theorized that humans could be divided into subspecies, but that's not the case.

[@-LadyFawn-]

Ryan Nolin There is no “reverse” racism, it’s racism.

[@Austin_Schulz]

@HL - Hombres Libres MGTOW I'm just repeating what I learned from Anthropology, so make of that what you will, I guess.

[@Joshua-gq5xb]

I think the main purpose of this video is to encourage and inspire viewers to have empathy. That's it. The meaning of compassion is to "suffer with" (com-, -passio). Have empathy, and with compassion for those who have had real experiences of racial prejudice. It does not matter whether or not you believe that racism is systemic in this country. The next step: which of us are called to be PRO-active in response to what is going on, and not merely RE-active? That's between you and God. Be honest in prayer and you will come to know the level of activity to which you are called. We should not feel coerced into loving, but have clear consciences in doing so.

[@csikomas8910]

As we forgive those who trespass against us. That is the answer, along with 'walk away, don't participate'. Lay down your weapon, lay down your anger, your judgment and carry your cross, as Jesus did. Set an example, as Jesus did. It is not for us to judge, only to be compassionate. Every person has their cross. No one has a easy life. I don't know any person who has an easy life. It's after this that we need to think about. Earthly life is only a fraction, a very small fraction of who and what we are. The Rosary helps me, and it may help you.

[@j.r00n14]

well said friend

[@bluebutterfly4594]

True it would be good if that cross didn't include your skin. When everyday you left home you had to take extra precautions because of it. And there was nothing you can do to change it. You could work harder, achieve status greater than your peer but all anyone will judge you by is your skin.

[@bajone02]

​@@bluebutterfly4594Right. And because we cannot change our skin color, the only Christ driven response is carry the cross and work for social justice but not hateful activism driven by the powers who do not have real brotherhood as their goal.

[@anafuentes6936]

"If i am now turning the parish of kibeho, it does not mean i am only concerned for Kibeho, or for the Diocese of Butare, or for Rwanda, or for the whole of Africa. I am concerned and turning to the whole world." - OUR LADY OF KIBEHO

[@TheDeersCry]

Thank you for this and especially your voice Fr. Pierre!! :)

[@aaronbarr7261]

May God help me to be aware of, and clearly see, my bias, my prejudice, my preconceived notions and my generalizations. May He remove this heart of stone within me and give me a heart of flesh and feeling. May He help me to see my fellow man more and more like He sees us. And may I change the world by allowing Him to change me. Amen

[@joeoleary6813]

me also Aaron, that was beautiful, GOD bless you...

[@Jomi1001]

God bless you 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@danielreyes5063]

What a beautiful prayer my brother thank you

[@cherirose4463]

Interact with them. Share their joys, share their sorrows. Give them credit they deserve!

[@Powerranger-le4up]

I came across Venerable Augustus Tolton last year when I was looking for a way to respond to the sin of racism without compromising my Catholic beliefs. Father Tolton’s example helped me realize that hatred can only be overcome with love.

[@UzosChoice]

So disappointed as a black Catholic with the non-loving comments of my fellow Catholics discrediting the experiences of their black brothers and sisters in Christ..

[@coralys2537]

I was scrolling through and much of what I read broke my heart. You are a blessing to the Church.

[@redimerfortitudo]

I don’t think people are discrediting anything. They are just saying that it often goes both ways and that it is a human problem - not something between races.

[@UzosChoice]

redimerfortitudo well from what I have read they are, and I stand by my comment. God bless.

[@gisole98]

breaks my heart. i cant understand how its such a big deal for people who follow jesus!! to condemn discrimination and hate. i cant

[@Queezbo]

It's more than a little horrifying, isn't it? I'm so sorry you are reading this excrement.

[@gracey5512]

There are many racists among American Catholics and Protestants churches. It's always uncomfortable on Sundays at Mass as people act like I'm invisible when we are wishing each other peace.

[@hollyjolly90]

Thank you for doing this. Some of these comments make me want to vomit. We need a LOT more education in the Church about this

[@MoebiusUK]

The 75 year old man who was assaulted by the Buffalo police has been identified as 'Martin Gugino' .. He's spent his life as a catholic activist doing the right thing. He put his life on the line to stand against racism. Yes, in this comment section there are many vile comments. You are right. but we do have some genuine catholics out here in the world. Martin Gugino - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWeYcnpjaaiomZY

[@lilyvictoria1799]

Honestly, some of the replies to my earlier comments have been horrific and quite frankly racist.

[@hopskip1746]

@@MoebiusUK woah-- thank you for posting this. Man is a hero

[@jackhubert]

Moebius he’s a paid agitator and got what he deserved.

[@markusschaffer9712]

Thank you,Father Pierre,for the discussion. Most people find this to be a topic that is extremely uncomfortable to deal with. Racism in the Church is unacceptable. We are all equal in the eyes of God,regardless of skin colour. Christ himself taught us that we are to love each other,regardless of circumstances and "societal" norms. Treat others the way we would like to be treated. Judge not,lest we be judged the same way. As we judge others, God will judge us. Let us pray much and remember that our actions speak volumes about who we are,as individuals and as the Church.

[@hopskip1746]

This is the video I've been looking for! To actively listen, to not push away the uncomfortable conversations, to PRAY and speak up --super inspiring. God Bless you guys & thanks

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

Let's not just overcome racism but also bitter political divides. There's a lot of ideologies I hate but I'm not for calling people names or beating them up but there's so many people nowadays who seem willing to do those things.

[@drumsandcymbals8779]

Yeah Catholics like Trent Horn and Brian Holdsworth have talked about this. The Church has never been very political but it's starting to point out political hatred more. If you disregard the opinions of a whole large group no matter who they are, you're hindering yourself from growing in wisdom and knowledge. It's also a hate the sin love the sinner thing as far as political stances that contradict Church teaching, and many Christians ignore this.

[@drumsandcymbals8779]

@@jamesparson I just mean as a group politics are only important to the Church because the world we are in operates around them. Otherwise, political stances and governmental systems like the one's we have now are not the Church's way of living. In other words the Church would have earth be as close to heaven as possible, but the Church doesn't rule the world, and people aren't perfect. Jesus is the only King that matters to the Church after all.

[@damaniii54]

Ascension, thank you for all the videos that have been put up dealing with this through a Catholic lens, amplifying the voices of those who have experienced this in their subjective personhood and also in objective experiences. I believe this is a paradigm shifting moment and opportunity, and the Church has been responsive and leaned in.

[@lilyvictoria1799]

Never forget that 2/5 leaders of the Church at Antioch (Simeon and Lucius) were black. Jesus himself grew up during his early years in Egypt, Africa and Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross was also a black man. The Bible took place in Africa and the Middle East and is filled with black characters. To be racist against Black people today, is to be racist to those Black leaders and prophets in the Bible. Racism is a sin and I can only pray that God deals with any prejudice we may hold in our hearts.

[@carantanianfella4035]

North Africans weren't black back then, they aren't black now. No one dislikes your for the color of your skin, as if that's the only difference. We are judging you by the content of your character and we find it to be wanting. We also find the pattern of people who's character is atrociously poor, tend to be of a certain skin color. Pattern recognition is not a sin.

[@lilyvictoria1799]

Carantanian Fella That is false. North Africans during Biblical times were Black and there are many still today in countries such as Sudan and southern Egypt. The indigenous people to North Africa are the Berber people, many of whom today live in Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Niger. The Bible uses the term ‘Cushite’ to describe Northeast Africans (or any Black African) which literally means Black. To say you judge someone based on the content of their character, but then say that those with a certain skin colour have an ‘atrociously poor’ character is racist. And racism IS a sin! Your skin colour does not equate to your character. Shame on you.

[@lilyvictoria1799]

M Cabatu God Bless you sister x

[@lilyvictoria1799]

Carantanian Fella In all honesty this is one of the most DISGUSTING comments I’ve ever read in my life. Your mission is to erase Black prophets and teachers from the Bible and replace them with white characters. Simeon from Niger, Lucius the Cushite, Queen of Sheba, Zipporah (Moses’ wife), Simon of Cyrene and his sons Rufus and Alexander who were leaders in the early church were ALL BLACK as well as many more. SHAME on you for pretending to be a Christian. Because you are not. Repent and turn away from your sin of racism.

[@carantanianfella4035]

Liana Victoria they weren't black, deal with it.

[@carolcastaneda9931]

Thank you fathers for bringing up the importance of discomfort, listening, and educating oneself when it comes to talking about race. This is a systemic issue that needs our attention and I wish the Catholic Church were more vocal about it. God bless 🙏🏼

[@Delphi333]

I’m just curious - and I am not saying racism doesn’t exist we know it does. But for our black friends and black Catholics, what does non-racism look like? What would you like to see or feel to perceive it’s healed? What kinds of behaviors would wish to see? What does it look like? What kind of changes would you wish or hope for? I’m sincerely asking because I think people need to know so they can make it happen.

[@joeoleary6813]

we can strive for change, we can say all the feel good stuff, but believe me friend in the very pews of our beloved Body of Christ [the church] prejudice is alive and well. my wife and I now watch the Holy Mass on TV (ewtn) we don't have to worry about getting snubbed at the sign of peace,we don't have to look at the dirty stares, people who change their seats because they don't want to pray next to a blk person, it goes on, believe me...

[@Delphi333]

@@joeoleary6813 Thank you for your reply. Yes I guess that's what I was getting at - people can talk the talk but they need to walk the walk... I feel like folks just putting a sign up on their house or on their Instagram is ok - but really we need to come together as a people, and get to know one another. I feel like society is so divided now more than ever because people can be so selective about who they fraternize with - especially due to "social media" and the internet. How can we expect to break down barriers when we don't know our real neighbors or fellow parishioners? How can we expect to see past the outside when we never get to know the inside? I'm sorry you're dealing with dirty stares and prejudices even within our church! That's just awful. We as Catholics should be setting an example for others.

[@michellejemi]

Joe Oleary yup, that’s pretty much it. You described the whole experience. I keep going to church because I need communion. Offer that injustice to his passion. God loves us all and that give me strength until I can leave the US.

[@joeoleary6813]

@@Delphi333 I am proud that you're in our church, through this format I can feel your goodness, I kinda feel bad cause I gave up, I started watching the MASS on tv, I miss out on people like you.. it's tough when your own church is not a safe harbor. 😞

[@ssoomee]

As a black Catholic (I am Afro- Caribbean) I think a lot of it has to do with participating in being ANTI-racist- simply being non-racist is not enough (the 'I don't see color' approach hasn't proven to be helpful, because it does not address the latent racism present in the systems we live in), it's to take active steps towards dismantling toxic actions and systems that keep or reinforce racism in place. There is a lot of discussion online about this, and the different ways in which anyone can participate in doing this, I would really recommend looking into that because it would be too long to write here. As for my experiences of being black and Catholic, all I can say was that when I was at my Catholic grammar school I had a lot of terrible racist experiences that unfortunately teachers, the very people who are supposed to protect and encourage your kids to do their best, did not intervene or simply brushed it off and told me to deal with it, either from students or the teachers themselves. And I went to school in a very diverse and open-minded city (NYC). A way for them to have been anti-racist was to not use language, espouse attitudes, or even form opinions upon which they base their actions towards students of color that has reference in racial inferiority concepts (ie. a study showed that white teachers often viewed black students/ students of color as being more 'mature' and less child-like than white students; this attitude often leads white teachers to punish more harshly or being stricter the former group- I experienced this first hand, and I can assure you, I was not worse behaved than my peers. I also saw the same treatment with other students of color- a way to be anti-racist would be to adopt a very basic and neutral system of addressing ALL students regardless of their origins, and seeking to focus on their behavior after the fact, not making assumptions about their behavior before that) I hope this helps, but I do understand that not all Catholic communities are diverse, but we can all participate in anti-racist behavior regardless of whether people of color are within out communities or not

[@Angellady11]

Father Pierre Toussaint is a beautiful soul

[@mandycarney9661]

Thank you Fathers. We are very thankful for your message and example. We stand with you for peace and love between all people. Keep giving us examples of how we can love better! Please pray for us!

[@ethanloughrey8375]

Fair play for posting this guys. It seems like some parts of the Church community have been reluctant to touch on this but its so important for Catholics to speak out and promote the universality of all men and women. God bless ye's

[@workinprogress-ye5or]

I found my church has been outspoken on hate, but I live in a more liberal state and the church is supposed to be for everyone to feel welcome.

[@EastLosAngeles1964classic]

Great conversation, what a blessing to have this gentleman in our faith 🙏 Bendiciones Padres

[@eiramacir]

Glad that Ascension Presents is addressing what is going on in the society 🙏

[@workinprogress-ye5or]

A friar video I watch also, Breakng in the Habit is also very good. Franciscans and Fr Casey is young and works with other friars to do many videos on topics in the church and society.

[@marianniezayas1531]

From reading all the comments, we can all agree that racism is a sin and it is morally wrong. I did not read anything defending racism or anyone stating "I am superior because of my race." What I have noticed is that prejudice and racism are terms being used interchangeably. Prejudice is when you have a preconceived notion about somebody (in this case about their race or skin color), while racism is thinking that you are better than others based on your race or skin color, thus leading to behaviors that act upon that. These behaviors can range from shunning people to violence. I also notice that people have vastly different experiences when it comes to this topic and that is what ultimately shapes our response to dialogues about race. If someone was called derogatory terms and were told they are less than bc of their skin color (or constantly heard this from people who had these experiences) then they will feel much differently than another person of the same color who was welcomed and made to feel they are valuable to their community, school, work, etc. As Father said... ask the Holy Spirit, but ask specifically as if doing an examination of concious. Have I ever done or said anything that made anyone feel less than because they are a particular race? Do I encourage people of a differing background to mine to contribute to community life (or parish, work, etc?) Do I intentionally cast aside the ideas of others based on their race and cultural background? Do I pray for unity and healing of all races? While we are all one in the Lord, do I recognize and celebrate the things that make us different? Do I educate myself on people of other cultures, especially those in my own community and support their events in my town/Parish? Am I afraid to approach people with questions about race or have my point of view challenged? Why? Do I support organizations that promote peace either with my time treasure or talent? Have I gone to confession for the times I have let my prejudices lead to racism and hate? Healing needs to come from within and it is a process that requires patience. Remember blessed are the peacemakers.

[@InTheServiceOfTheQueen]

Also there is prejudice against police offers as well. My husband is a devout catholic and has served the public for 20 years without one complaint or incidence. Police deal successfully with violent situations daily. We need law and order and mustn't vilify all cops. They already don't make enough money to deal with all the evil they deal with. And the truth is, many are quitting by the day. We can't afford to allow isolated occurrences to define the thousands of wonderful people defending peace daily.

[@bluebutterfly4594]

@@InTheServiceOfTheQueen the inability of most police officers to punish people who have done wrong has lead to this. Everytime you defend a bad officers or make excuses for them you attract the wrong kind of people in to the force. Right now you have more bad apples than good apples in America. I'm not American but even I have grown tired of how often bad police officers have got away with murder.

[@jackhubert]

Hazel Adelaide that’s not true at all. Most officers are good and do the right thing. The media wants you to think otherwise.

[@jackhubert]

z that’s not the majority of cops. You lived in one city. That’s your only perspective.

[@marianniezayas1531]

@@bluebutterfly4594 The problem here in America is that all officers are being painted with the broad brush of racism. Like in any field you have good, honest, caring people and others who abuse their power. Reform where it is needed, but calls for defunding the police and completely removing them is absurd. Everything going on in America right now is just an excuse for anarchy and evil. Politics and media are fueling the flames of a race war at this point and it has nothing to do whatsoever about justice for people of color. BLACK police chiefs and cops are leaving in droves at this point because they too have been unfairly singled out as a problem. Pray for us!

[@joancampbell-tofte8062]

Thank you both and God bless you for discussing the topic of racism. For me the greatest falsehood is when people remain silent. Again thanks.

[@yvescallahan2103]

Wish you all can hear "the Vortex" video "Black and Catholic" is quite eye opening! We all need to stop taking about the symptoms and start taking about the root of racism. The family unit! Start taking about the brokenness in the abandonment of children, kids not having fathers in their homes ect... anger, and a divisions stems from the brokenness of the family. NO ONE is going to fix racism which is just an excuse to not to talk about the real core illness. Family repair!

[@tonyhayes9827]

Thank-you fathers. One day when I’d nearly given up I handed my life over to God. He made me aware that it was His own life that lived in me and gave my life to me. And all my anxiety left me. It’s the first time in my life that I think I truly loved God. Then He allowed me to see that it was His life that lived in my neighbor and gave them their life as well. And I saw further that if I loved my own life because of the life of God that was in me then I found myself in love with my neighbor for the same reason. For the same life of God I now loved in me was in my neighbor as well. And not just my neighbor but all creation. I think this is why the first commandment is to love God. Only then can we follow the second commandment to love our neighbor. And to love our neighbor for the right reason, for the sake of the love of God for all His creation. I don't say this to anyone because there's usually no point, but all creation shone with the light of God for just a few hours. This is His light and we all live in it.

[@cerrutib]

I thinks Catholics need to be careful about their conversation right now bc it has different meanings in the context of today. When speaking of racism we need to make distinctions between people being mean or police brutality and be clear that we are not on a political side especially when that side leads to grave evil under the pretext of racism.

[@scarlet020100]

I thought the civil rights era settled all this and that we knew racism and discrimination is bad; but I get the idea it was just buried, or swept under the rug, and people had to be politically correct and act like we were all color blind, and now it is all coming out again. But now I truly believe that people are not as racist as we were in the mid 20th century and now people are willing to talk about it. I love hearing black people encouraging us to talk it out. I try to remember how as a child how people would make fun of me for being a Catholic, or for being Italian, and how it made me feel.

[@deb9806]

I'm 63, lived in NE in CT so pretty liberal state. I still heard racist things from coworkers and relatives and others my whole life. People just don't hear it always because its so common in some areas. Years ago in the 70's my friend said she never heard it in our pretty racist suburb. We went shopping at 18 and God let me have so many instances, how many times I tapped her to listen to others use the N word, point out a black person shopping or make a comment to me about how many kids someone had. She was humbled, don't think it changed her much, but she really wasn't hearing it because it was just so much part of her environment.

[@fabiolasalomon2520]

“Silence is Compliance.” Wow

[@Aengrod]

Yeah, spoken like a true leftie-communist-socialist. Good job.

[@danielreyes5063]

@@Aengrod my brother the point of that saying is not speaking out against racism is being a part of the problem, leave politics out of it.

[@tuckersmith8560]

​@@danielreyes5063 How come when people say "racism" they only talk about people who aren't white? Isn't that inherently racist against white people? Why do we only recognize discrimination against some people and not others? You people seem to always play the victim when you're mostly to blame

[@cathykieta7704]

Thank you for doing this very hard talk. For me what I’m trying to do is to educate myself on racism. I want to understand and be educated and not be ignorant to the things happening in the world.

[@Teresa9962]

THANK YOU Fr. Pierre Toussaint!!!

[@Jeremiah17v9]

I see 2 priests sitting there.

[@samanthadunn7142]

I’m South African and lived in Santa Cruz for a year. I attended a local church and was welcomed by those who noticed me. One Saturday, during an Advent mass, an older white lady did not shake my hand, her husband begrudgingly shook my hand. I was feeling so homesick and missed my family during this special time but I knew that I was home in any Catholic Church anywhere in the world. I was so hurt by her rejection and and said to myself “Your going to have a black grandchild and you will have to learn to love him/her!” 🙈 not my finest moment and I had to ask God for forgiveness for that thought. I had to remind myself not to let her actions taint my entire experience of the parish overall, which in all fairness was generally welcoming. May we continue to learn to love one another as Christ loves us.

[@frank-c5]

Yep - white people (namely liberals) can be like this for sure. Don't worry about it - despite the fact that they can be rude, hypocritical and act like they own the place God will judge. This is very much the shortcoming of an entitled white person.

[@Bazerkly]

Please Keep in Mind that much of what is interpreted as Racism is actually the result of "ANGER". Angry people will always attack your vulnerable spot... Color of your skin, ethnicity, your weight (too fat or too skinny), your wealth or lack of....... I am white and when I had long hair cops would harass me. I once had extremely long hair and people assumed that I was Native American..... I had Black friends who called me Chief... In my humble opinion all schools from "K through Graduate Schools", "Morals and Ethics" must be a required curriculum.

[@harveydarvey4585]

I'm not sure why people are offended by stereotypes I mean if they weren't true they wouldn't exist. Yeah blacks love chicken, Mexicans eat tacos, and whites do burgers it's a part of our cultural identities. Edit: btw I'm Mexican and I eat tacos like every other day.

[@fireballgarcia1281]

Harvey Darvey I think the offensive part is with the assumption that a person is just their racial group and not an individual. Obviously those are true trends but when those things are said not in the context of between close friends and in a mutual understanding it comes across as incredibly uncharitable and dehumanizing

[@rynolin342]

I agree with you. If we are always looking for something to be racist we will surely find something. It's kinda like if a white person made a joke about me getting sunburns. It's a skin difference that can't be denied.

[@KristynLorraine]

If I drank a pumpkin latte I'd get called a basic white girl 🤷‍♀️

[@lilyvictoria1799]

‘Blacks love chicken’??? I’m Black British and I’ve never heard anything like that. Don’t force your perception of somebody’s race on them, you don’t know their culture or experience. What a racist statement.

[@xty070]

There are harmful stereotypes. Harmful. And if you think these stereotypes haven’t had negative effects on people then you are just being dishonest

[@VACatholic]

I'm tired of being blamed for the sins of others. When will we actually speak honestly and not be shamed for telling the truth? That is how Catholics can overcome racism. By speaking the truth and stop being shamed by satanic demons who use your compassion against you.

[@VACatholic]

@Ian I am discriminated against in my own country by people who hate me. You can take your nonsense back to satan, where it belongs. It is not of God, and your hatred and lies are obvious to those with eyes to see. Repent of your sins, and speak only the truth in the future, lest you fall into the abyss.

[@VACatholic]

@Ian Read this. s3.amazonaws.com/lifesite/Open_Letter_President_Donald_Trump.pdf That is what we Catholics believe. That is what we Catholics are called to believe. That is what you should be fighting for.

[@ashleygeorge5972]

ndirish just because a church leader says something doesn’t mean we need to support it as Catholics. A lot of Catholic leaders in Rome didn’t directly oppose Hitler and they actually had a meeting with him. Church leaders are people and sin like everyone else. The only thing that is infallible are Church teachings.

[@VACatholic]

@@ashleygeorge5972 I have no idea what your point is.

[@peterharb8583]

Thank you Fathers, what an incredible message and prayer

[@dijanasovina128]

I am from Europe and I am Catholic.. it is insaine to me that people judge other people because of color of their skin..or religion or weight or how smart you are..or how beautiful you are...or anything. If we are all children of God..then we are ALL children of God..if God created every one of us..who are we to dislike any person on this planet on any reason. We are all created so beautifly diferent..so much nations..so much color of skin..red..yellow..braun..black..white...I think you get my point. People judge me all the time..on any level..but I choose how to respond on that. I judged also when I didnt know any better..but now I do. If there is any injustice in any situation..we have to adress it..with truth..not with violence..with love and not with hate. Racisam is not white-black thing..it is in every pore of our society. I've seen the video...A person deid..not just black person..A person. God rest his soul.

[@dansedevie123]

I am glad that you see that we are all children of God. I agree that love is the answer. Racism is more than just judging people for being different though. Unfortunately, it is ingrained in many laws and institutions as well.

[@dominusvobiscum333]

I agree with everything you said except the religion part. Only the Church possesses the charisma of truth. That said, we are to love those outside the Church and evangelize them, because all people of good will are welcome at the font of baptism.

[@dijanasovina128]

@@dominusvobiscum333 I mention religion in context of judging. If you are Christian then ofcourse you are called to live like one..in all prospects of life..and not hide that..and ofcourse share with a people that God puts it on your way..with love. God's love..not human love..and God is teaching us if we alow Him how to do that. Day by day. But every person in this world is created by God..and that tells us that there is a God in every person..dosent matter what religion that person is..and because of that fact we have to cherish every living being on this earth. Sometimes the best evangelization is loving the right way..God's way. Sometimes it is talking..sometimes some different approach...offering a smile..or being nice to somebody..or offering some help...so so many ways. When a person is traying to be close to God..get to know Him..sees how beaitiful He is..pure love..and you feel God's love and care..then you cannot be avare that God is loving everybody like that. And we are called to do same. Thank you for your comment..God bless you and everybody around you. Greetings from Germany

[@dijanasovina128]

@@dansedevie123 I believe that the answer is in praying and alowing God to rich other people threw us...on His way. Just asking God to fill our hearts with his love..so we can love others and every day becoming the person that He wants us to be. And that is the most exciting part of our life. Alowing him to shape us..as He wants. Thank you also for your comment. God bless you and your family

[@tesschavit3009]

God bless you both fathers

[@jac1161]

Praying outside abortion mills, for unborn children of all races and futures, and their parents? I guess I never saw color when I respected human life and sexuality that came before it. We have to incorporate this issue when we are talking about racism. Margaret Sanger carried on Hitler's eugenics mentality and so we cannot forget that Planned Parenthood is a big culprit of perpetuating racism. Let's make the connection.

[@Nutsaboutballet]

Hi, can you please add captions or edit the auto generated captions? This is good info but the captions aren't accurate and makes this info not accessible. I have a lot of Deaf/HoH friends and want to be able to share this without having it be inaccessible.

[@katkat2340]

We are all at a loss here. It’s sad and deeply loaded with so many unheard , unhealed hurts from ignorance and superiority . When I heard of the riots , I went for a walk and just deeply felt that this was not Martin Luther Kings dream. It is a loaded sensitive time and if ppl move toward each other in good will , maybe like offers chicken or street talk , they could be trying ( although very much poorly to be inclusive) . Mostly one knows if it’s out of racism you can tell the intent, it’s usually full of malice. In no way am I endorsing ignorance but there are some who truly don’t know what is required to connect , and a gentle word will go a long way. Some of us are trying please see our hearts too as we really don’t know how to make it better. Understanding and taking down high walls will be a journey , always has been. I’m proud of our children who are much more global and unguarded. The only priveledge we all should have is to respect , love and serve one another and God. Peace , hope , love🙏🏽

[@dorianneburgoyne5755]

I love Mother Angelica for building her monastery in the deep south as an affront to the racist views she saw in the 60's. No one can make you not racist apart from God. God will put you in groups as you grow older to help you change your perspective of them

[@quiltbugj]

Thank you - this is a wonderful discussion

[@maryweisenbacher1034]

Thanks Fr Pierre! What you said about your experiences is heartbreaking. Also, thanks for the tips on overcoming racism. I like the positive action plan! May God bless you both!

[@sarelvanwyk693]

Catholics can do what all Christians are supposed to do, live the life that Christ wants us to live.

[@simplylyzzie4210]

Thank you Fr. Toussaint and Fr. Mark-Mary. I would love to see more diversity in the videos released by Ascension.

[@Jeremiah17v9]

Why not contact them & see if there is an opening for you to be a contributor? Be part of the change instead of relying on others.

[@yolandahipski3840]

Prejudice is like potential. Everyone has it but it’s what you do with it that counts.

[@TheTymotek]

I have lived in U.S. for over twenty years. Not the day goes by , that I’m not being asked where I’m from. People feel it’s all right to pry into my private life, just because I have an accent. It causes me a lot of anxiety, to the point that I’m basically not leaving my house anymore. I’m lucky, because I have a very supportive family and I’m introverted, so it doesn’t bother me much to stay at home all the time. However I recognize that what I’m going through is only my doing, these are my reactions and insecurities that make me uncomfortable outside. Not one person who made annoying remarks to me was at fault. They were even trying to be kind, show an interest in me. It was me who was bothered. Like your example, Father P. (I didn’t get the name) about the fried chicken. Admit it, the cook was nice. He just thought you would like it. People are generally nicer than we give them credit for. Prejudice means pre-judgment and it’s unavoidable for survival. It’s built in into us. When I see a group of dozen teenage soccer fans waving their club scarfs in Europe, I turn the first corner. When people hear my accent they tend to speak to me louder and slower. My children are blond, the only blond children in an otherwise Hispanic kindergarten. During the first weeks no one talked to them. They were sad that, “the black children” don’t want to play with them (they haven’t met any African Americans in our little town). People made remarks to them that they looked like Nazis or SS-men (their Grandma survived Auschwitz). Were these kids or grownups racists? Of course not, just thoughtless, ignorant. We should stop looking for bad intentions in others. The stupidity is much more prevalent than evil.

[@chiarabirocchi1547]

Praying, learning, donating from Italy❤I'm with you in this fight against racism! Thank you for the video!

[@spiritriderhd]

Why to you think some are racist? I have experience racism (actually reverse racism). I have prayed extensively to forgive, even with physical scars. It is an Evil, but maybe it is time to look at the issue differently.

[@kimchan98]

I have also experienced reverse racism as well

[@inedanap6253]

@@shailenewilcox1415 I'm sorry, but this comes across as incredibly condescending. Racism has always meant prejudice against a certain group of people because of their skin color. Some people have decided to use it to refer to only institutional racism. If you want to use it that way, that's okay. But acting as if the only reason why someone would disagree with your recently made up definition is because they're ignorant and need to "educate themselves" is absurd. Not trying to shame you at all, but when someone has experienced very tangible hatred and your first response is "Well, that's not REAL racism", it is very uncharitable.

[@timebank1949]

@@shailenewilcox1415 Thank you for the article Shailene Wilcox. EDIT: I will read the article. I would also highly recommend you to change your profile picture, because it is impure/obscene to show the buttocks and this photo may lead souls to hell and your soul as well, because you are / your photo is the cause of temptation! I pray for you and may God bless you, St. Virgin Mary protect you and St. Joseph help you! :-)

[@matthewpurcell6943]

Shailene Wilcox depends on the definition you use. If you use racism meaning the society and systemic oppression of races then no, reverse racism doesn’t exist. If you’re talking about the original definition it’s“a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race,” (Miriam Webster) so in that way, it’s just racism, not reversed.a black or asian or any other ethnicity saying “white people are inherently worse than us” is racist, but not in the same way as people is the word now

[@harveydarvey4585]

What? That's just regular racism you've experienced. Lots of my Hispanic relatives hate whites and blacks. It's unfortunate though it just shows anybody can be racist.

[@briadopson7826]

I can relate to that train story happened to me in the pews of church mays times its always a painful experience. Prayer, fasting, kindness.

[@Gina-Psalm139]

Bria... I don't know what to say as this stabbed me in the heart to read and left me without words, I'm so very sorry 😢

[@commscompany1502]

I have seen it too - too often. As a very light skinned black I often make it a point to go and seat next to blacks I see like this at Mass.

[@briadopson7826]

Thanks for listening Gina. 💕

[@bluelarry1674]

Love Fr. Toussaint's name. He took his name after a great great man.

[@Swagbastian]

How is someone saying certain things racist? Action is what matters. Fr. Pierre is saying that people stereotyped him. Is that really racism? They didn't hurt anything except his feelings. So if someone is being offended then they are being discriminated against? How does that make any sense?

[@derekhandson351]

Yes, words are still being racist. Saying the word is an action itself

@@derekhandson351 I get what you are saying, but remember that it depends also on how you perceive the message. Words can hurt, but it doesn't mean that the person who said those words was trying to hurt you. There are always two sides, the sender and the receiver, and if the one listening gets triggered easily, then the damage comes from the person's subjective experience. But I get it, it still hurts...

@@markevangelista7160 that's pretty smart. We should see people as individuals and not generalize. I think this promotes even more racism and division. Systemic racism is not the same as individual experience.

[@Swagbastian]

@ True.

[@Swagbastian]

@@derekhandson351 Really? So if someone says something to me and I get offended by it, does that mean the person that said those things to me is racist?

[@claraartnow6645]

9:28 I'm gonna keep that prayer for me too. Even though I'm from another country, I also have been hurt for my culture. I'll pray for you too african americans, my beloved brothers and sisters 🙏

[@travismistry958]

Hi Fr. Mark Mary and Fr. Pierre Troussaint. I wanted to say I did like the video and came out of it learning a couple things. That being said, I was really hoping you could touch on the black lives matter movement, and give a catholic viewpoint on it. The reason I ask this is not because I don’t believe black people don’t matter, but rather because while it is a very good and just cause, they don’t follow the Catholic moral law. After researching it, I found they are very pro- LGBTQ+ movement, and also surprisingly anti-capitalism. I know capitalism isn’t a moral issue but I also know that St. JP2 fought very hard to irradiate communism and establish capitalism. I know it’s a stretch to ask you guys to respond but if anyone could give an authoritative response to my question (what is the Catholic stance on the black lives matter moment?) it would be greatly appreciated!

[@maryltrakas3375]

Thanks for sharing. Important points

[@jen1963]

In my case, as an Asian American, I have experienced mostly kindness and hospitality from the African American community. When I meet an African American person, I feel comfortable. As for white people, I feel the opposite. I always worry that they are going to say something prejudice or racist to me or my son.

[@rynolin342]

I understand the silence is compliance but I don't think announcing that you aren't racist on social media is the right way to go about it. I think it's important to speak out if you are in the situation and you see someone else being racist. On social media it's like preaching to the choir. I also liked how it was mentioned that African people can be racist towards each other by assuming they eat fried chicken because they are black. This point really shows that anyone can be racist and African Americans are not automatically immune to being racist towards another. Overall we can really only mange how we react in race situations other people who are racist won't really be swayed by just saying racism isn't okay as they already know that.

[@marcywells3726]

I was wondering when someone from the Church would do a KZbin video. Thank you. 🙏

[@deb9806]

There's a friar who did a wonderful video on racism too. "breaking in the habit" is name. Both Friars are great

[@xty070]

These comments here are disappointing to say the least. You come here as a black catholic, who continues to see first hand how racism has destroyed lives, esp how institutionalized it is in America and then you read these comments. It is clear a lot of you have refused to educate yourselves, do not want to have an honest open conversation, prefer to dabble in whataboutism , prefer to conflate issues rather than speak up and out against a clear evil. But then again am I really surprised ? Not entirely. Check your heart friends. Empathy ,someone ? You guys be well...

[@lilyvictoria1799]

The only thing I can do is to encourage you to keep the faith! As a Christian who is black, I try to remind myself that in spite of everything, the pain Jesus faced dying on the cross of Calvary for our sins was far greater. We have a Father in heaven who is for us and has our backs! Let God deal with them x

[@xty070]

Liana Victoria you are very correct. Stay encouraged too,sis. God bless and keep you in his love.amen❤️

[@skyefeyden]

You know, I was really interested in the video but scared to look at the comments. But then I thought that maybe, just maybe, as Catholics we would be understanding and encouraging. Unfortunately, it seems not. Everything, EVERYTHING is political and I'm so sick of it. You'd think we could drop the Republican v Democrat bickering for five minutes, but you'd be wrong. I can't ever understand where you're coming from -- I'm a white woman -- but as Saint Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." I hope that I will always stand against evil, and though I'm a miserable sinner, I pray for the courage to face these issues without ever faltering. God bless.

[@dansedevie123]

I am also disappointed. I think we have to ask ourselves, what is more important, politics or our faith, which clearly tells us to show compassion and speak out against injustice? I hope more people see your message and think about what Jesus would actually do and say. God bless!

[@ashleygeorge5972]

skyefeyden I agree. Some Catholics are making issues like racism seem like it is political when it really is a human rights violation.

[@reborn4366]

This is so well said. THANK YOU.

[@eileen1820]

Seven people in my family were victims of crime. All by Black men and for me personally, once by knife point by a Black man and a Black woman who robbed me in downtown SF. I also had a gun pulled on me in downtown SF. My Dad needed surgery from a brutal beating by two Black men. I could go on and will if needed. So that was 0.000001 of my interactions with Black people. I just babysat my Black friend's children for the 10th time, free of charge, on my day off. I don't hate or even resent Black people bc of my negative criminal life experience that were traumatic, but I'm inherently racist or vulnerable to it bc I'm white? No. I'm SO not nor ever will be on that crazy train. Black families, especially Black men, had a wrecking ball put to their families bc of the Democratic Party putting Planned Parenthood in Black neighborhoods and removing fathers for Govt money. The Democratic Party in specially evil PURPOSEFULLY trying to keep Black people as a permanent underclass. And as far as slavery, can we remember the hundreds of thousands of White men who fought in the civil war to end it? I am OVER this revisionist history. I'm grossly disappointed in this coverage.

[@commscompany1502]

If this is true am sorry. But I wish you could do a research. Disguise as black and do things normally for a month. Then take that off and redo the experiment. Let researchers work with you so that we see the results

[@eileen1820]

@@commscompany1502"If this is true?" I'm a Catholic. I don't make up such stories. Besides, I was asserting that these interactions did NOT affect me. Can you be real for five minutes? Like actually honest? Black individuals are disproportionately affected by crime bc they are also disproportionately involved with policing interactions. I worked for City of East Palo Alto PD for many years. There is a SEVERE criminal element of Latinos there. You know who calls the Police on them? Fellow Latinos. Keeping people as a permanent underclass and dependent on a Welfare State is BY DESIGN. Elites don't care AT ALL about Black and Brown communities- they throw them bones for votes. My PD friends told me to drive carefully always bc as a White Woman, Police Officers know they'll make the quotas with no fear/issues during the interactions. So what about that? It is ABSOLUTE NONSENSE that I should pretend to be Black. What garbage.

[@thrithgolden2748]

Wow beautiful! Ive had similar things happen to me, but I can't just hate a whole race of people by the acts of a few. Just like sin in our lives.. will I focus on the specks in my brothers/sisters eye, while I have a plank in mine own? Nay... Let god be true and all men liars.. Peace in Christ.

[@eileen1820]

@@thrithgolden2748 Thank you, peace to you too. I don't know who coined the term but it's true that one is entitled to their own feelings, but not their own facts. I am so disheartened that Franciscan Friars are attaching themselves to this issue SO superficially and ridiculously and insultingly presumptuous.

[@peterkershaw11]

​@@eileen1820 Hello again! Funny (not "ha ha") times we live in, no? Only recently have I been analyzing my own heritage, and my interesting case of being half-Filipino half-English. Growing up, I never really judged people "by the color of their skin but rather by the merit of their character," it's how I was raised. And I expected people to treat me the same, albeit that wasn't always the case. The first instance of what I might call "racism" I encountered personally was on the playground. I, in my early teens, was visiting for the first time with my little sister, and we wanted to meet the local kids and get some fresh air. To my memory (which might be flawed, as I have a record in faulty memory), there were about half a dozen black kids playing there. Most were amicable, and we played with gleeful abandon, until one of them asked me a very specific question I'd never heard before and not the last time: "Are you f#&$%in' Chinese?" At that utterance I immediately hollered my little sister and went home. Innocently enough, it wasn't because of the context of the question, but rather I didn't want my little sister hearing such profane language. Years later, I'd been going to community college for about 2 years (saves a lotta bucks), no real problems during that time about me being Catholic (to my surprise) or how I look (granted the college was pretty liberal despite having a number of outspoken Catholics and a nice Bible Study group). I was about to head out for the day, packed my bags and was moving through the mostly abandoned cafeteria (it was just after lunch hour), when a black man asks me from a nearby bench table: "Excuse me, sir! Are you Chinese?" The guy was very chill in his tone of voice, and gave off the impression that he was genuinely curious. Now, his friend, a black woman I believe, sitting across the table almost immediately blurted out, "you can't just *ask* that!" My response was to calm down the situation, "It's fine, it's an honest question and I take no offense. And no I'm, in fact, half-Filipino, my other half is British." Now, I would've elaborated further why it was a perfectly reasonable question, but I wanted to go home, so I walked away hollering back again that it was fine to ask as the aforementioned black woman reiterated her statement once I'd gotten a few paces away. A year later, same college, same cafeteria, I'm talking with some acquaintances, and this black woman in boxers and a tanktop, partly covered by what looks like a blanket, laughing rather heartily and audible to I'd say 80% of the cafeteria. Now, I'm a pretty energetic guy, I like reciprocating outwardly showing energy, almost like a mirror (circumstances may vary), so as she passes I holler "Hey! What's so funny?" She pauses and comes up to me, at this point I thought I might just make a new friend as acknowledgement and addressing of my reciprocation tends to lead to pleasant conversations about being positive and happy...that is, until she came a bit too close for comfort. I'd wager about within a foot, which I'm fine with if we're friends, but for a stranger it's universally uncomfortable for me, and I'd prefer if they keep at two feet until initial introductions have been made and conversation is started. At that distance, or rather lack thereof, I noticed she didn't look so well, a bit woozy and perhaps somewhat ditsy. She then asked if she "could see 'it'," and I immediately responded "What...?" She meant my...gentleman's appendage, which I found out when she grabbed it out of nowhere. Now, I didn't want to make a scene, especially in a public space, so I pulled back in silent shock, looking at her in disbelief of what she'd just done. She laughed loudly and walked off to get some food. The whole experience left be a bit shook for the rest of the day, as well as sparking a lot of interesting conversations. Especially with the witnesses, which included my acquaintances and a black lady, presumably campus faculty, enjoying her lunchbreak. Plus, the aforementioned faculty said she volunteers for a local homeless shelter, and recognized the blanketed black woman from one of the shelters, so I gave her the benefit of the doubt and assumed she wasn't of right mind from being either high or drunk and haven't thought much of the incident since then. And that's every instance of racism that I've experienced to my memory, except the last one which I'll get to later, not including the many racist instances (mostly about being Chinese) my siblings have gone through in their lives. Now, in all fairness, I've been homeschooled for all but my latter high school years (dual-enrolled at aforementioned community college), so I haven't had the "pleasure" of being educated by a public or private school system, but through my life I've made a couple conclusions. The first of which is that, in my life, the only people who start a conversation on the subject of race are blacks. I think it's because, as you put it, they're being manipulated by certain people in power. A form of mental slavery, if you will, being thrown bones and saying "they all hate you but I'm on your side" or what have you. That isn't to say that all blacks think that way, one of my acquaintances in the last story is black and I've talked to him many times, would even consider him a friend, and the topic of race really only comes as humorous "is it just because I'm black!?" jokes. Not to mention a number of other blacks I've talked to at length. Plus, as I'm sure you've seen, Larry Elder is releasing that Uncle Tom film later in the month about such black people who've caught onto the democrats' game. The second conclusion revolves around a simple (and my favorite) quote from Morgan Freeman, who, when asked how he thinks we can quell racism in America, responded: "Don't talk about it." And that's really stuck with me, as, with most people, the topic of race or racism only ever comes up if someone talks about it. Which brings me to why I, personally, disagree with Fathers Mark-Mary and Pierre Toussaint on a particular point they made. That being, silence is compliance, if you don't actively call out racism then you're inactively in favor of it. I don't actively call out racism, yet I am against it, but not on the metric of race and discrimination, but rather on a humane or biblical metric. Treat others as you would be treated, treat him (he who refuses to believe) as you would a tax collector (from the Gospel of Matthew...the tax collector), and so forth. Or, in the case of the Black Lives Matter movement, I give the same argument I would to genocide activists, communists, authoritarians, elitists, jihadists, warmongers, people supporting the death penalty (including gun owners who shoot intruders to kill), contraceptives, pro-choice, and many others of similar creed: "Either all lives matter, or yours doesn't, there is no middle ground. A black as much as a white, workers as much as the boss, the infidel as much as the believer, the soldier as much as the general or politician, the criminal as much as the law-abiding citizen, the zygote in the womb as much as the baby out the womb. If any one man should die by man's hands, then he may as well be you. Take your pick." God bless, and stay safe and healthy during these turbulent times!

[@4thand100]

Thank you for this video!

[@mujerdivina1590]

Thank you for sharing this, and bringing your experiences to our awareness.

[@collidingforces9589]

Just an observation here on Fr. Pierre's commentary, if someone offers you fried chicken, it is not racism, rather is a stereotype based on the culture of a community. For instance, I was born in Mexico, so from time to time I get offered tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas, does that make me feel discriminated? absolutely not. That, in fact is a cordiality to me, that offers a gentle attention to something that might be my personal preference based on my culture, the people I grew up with and my household as a young child, but that is not racism. If I have a problem with that, it would mean that I have a personal issue with my culture and/or I reject partially or entirely its customs and natural norms. Let's not forget that Racism is discrimination, mistreat, undermine, lessen, reject, bully, abuse or antagonism directed against a person or people of a particular racial or ethnic group. Let's not mix things around. If someone is offended for being offered fried chicken, that is something else, not racism.

[@ssoomee]

That's a fair point, but I just wanna ask, wouldn't it be wiser if the same people who offered you tacos first just asked you what are some of your favorite dishes? I usually find that far more diplomatic than making an assumption about a person's cultural eating habits just by the look of them- and I've definitely been on the receiving end of that as well, so I know what you're talking about

[@collidingforces9589]

​@@ssoomee Absolutely! But that is being polite and thoughtful, considering others preference before hand. But let's understand, that that is to an extend an education issue; regardless, being offered fried chicken or tacos is not racism.

[@femininedivin3]

A lot of these comments I see on here is sad. I'm wondering are these Catholics???

[@Queezbo]

I think they can't be. I'm hoping a bunch of atheists just decided to drop by for a prank.

[@wfleming537]

its very distressing keep praying for the conversion of our society

[@MariaM-fu6wm]

It's time to mourn, in case you haven't noticed that. Our Lord Jesuschrist cried over the death of the widow's son, over hugged friend Lazarus. He also felt saddened to see the religious leaders being hard of heart. He also was sad when the rich young man went away without converting. A huge difference between many Protestant groups and Catholics is that we Catholics know when it's time to cry and mourn. Have you seen the difference between Italy, Spain and the US after the confinement? The European Catholic countries ordered a mourning of ten days prior to go out and get a hair cut, have beer and socialize. In the US people went straight to three shopping malls. As a nation, a major denial to the fact that the lives of thousands of people had been turned upside-down and zero expression of solidarity. I'm very astonished that finally through the abominable racist death of Mr Floyd people are expressing their sadness. It surprises me not that your comment is so frivolous, because I've found that very common among in materialistic people the lack of sensitivity to have empathy

[@stefanserzo1989]

what comments are you referring to?

[@wfleming537]

@@markevangelista7160 I believe the original comment was not simply about those who disagree with the video, there are many heinous comments here including someone denouncing "race-mixing" Holdsworth's video was okay but his whole analysis is based on an incorrect definition of racism. Racism does not necessarily have to be tired to supremacy/superiority. That can be a motivation but it is not a necessary motivation.

[@SaintCharbelMiracleworker]

We still see it today in parts of the Church. On twitter I have noted some odious and condescending views from quite a few Trad-Catholics regarding black Catholics. With NO Catholics I haven't encountered it, doesn't mean it's not there. St Bakhita and St David Claver pray for these souls.

[@jfcmanalo]

I am loving the content coming from you guys. This is so needed. Thank you.❤️

[@barblydell9800]

Thank you! God bless and change us all

[@katiexyz3263]

Thank you for this and please keep teaching the faith. It’s so disheartening to see so many Christians and Catholics close their hearts and minds to the problem of racism because it means changing our ways and looking at our own behavior.

[@UwU_for_Christ]

You throw the phrase do research around a lot and made presumptions about the motives for George Floyd's death. Presuming other people's motives and finding malice where it doesn’t exist is not Catholic. If you had done research, you would know his autopsy showed lethal levels of Fentanyl and Meth, and that a major contributor to his death was his underlying heart conditions. The 4 cops involved in his death were each of a different race. He most likely would have died regardless what the officers did, and there's no reason to presume that this was an act of racism. More to this point, the arresting officer knew George Floyd personally as they had worked together for multiple years. All the available data show there's no systemic problem of police racism - per 10,000 arrests black and white people are killed at the same rate by police and more police are killed by black men than the other way around. I challenge you to go through the reports of all unarmed black men killed by white police last year and find a single one where racism could be interpreted from the facts. And this "history of oppression" narrative is unhelpful and unchristian. Viewing all interactions you have through the lens of historical oppression changes how you interpret them and it’s a lens which has no transferability to the modern world where blacks are admitted to universities with half the gpa of whites and Asians, virtually every major company virtue signals support for the BLM movement, and both the public and private sector favour blacks over other races in employment opportunities. You're judging people for the sins of their fathers, lying about events to further a victim narrative, and falsely assuming malice in interactions with other people. How many of Christs teachings does that violate? I’m all for tackling genuine examples of racism, but this isn’t it.

[@bernieblack1036]

" You're judging people for the sins of their fathers.." the thing is, many times it's not even for sin of their fathers! Just because somebody is white, somehow automatically means, that is part of the descendants of the slave-owners, which even for USA is not true! In the biggest peak was 6% (outside it, it was about 3%). And there are people of European descends (different nations), who had nothing with it. And some on the contrary, their ancestors country man were as well victim of the slavery trade, too! There were ghost-towns not just on Europe coast, but inland as well...

[@KristynLorraine]

But facts aren't woke. 🙄 My family came here after the civil war and have been blue collar workers in the Detroit area ever since. No slave owners, all the way back to the Polish peasants.

[@loremaster234]

Right! Thank you! I’m honestly disgusted with this channel right now. This only pushes the false narrative even more and a LOT of people are sick of it.

[@CMDoreOTR]

Empathy can be applied in many directions: race / gender / age / disabilities / sexual orientation / religion / economic levels / intellectual capacities / etc

[@CMDoreOTR]

Golden rule !!!

[@zdogg8]

So Glad you're on record as opposing violence, embracing King.

[@jackdaw6359]

Prudence is often mistaken for prejudice. I know of many people who would not have died in my country were it for this prudence.

[@denniswallace78]

I am an advocate to abolish and bring social inequality to light and do my part to speak out against hat. At the same time, when these peaceful protests turn bad and our men and woman of law enforcement lose their lives, What platform would you you recommend to support those people and families?

[@InTheServiceOfTheQueen]

Thank you for saying that!! My husband is a good guy and a great cop. We've endured so much hatred and prejudice and he's never done anything to harm one person in his 20 years on the force. We need to stop generalizing. Bless you.

[@mikeshockley665]

Solid 🙏. God bless y'all!

[@dezericka]

Systemic change? What specifically do you mean by systemic change?

[@willh.5512]

what he refers to for “Systemic change” is through systemic racism. Systemic racism means that if there were zero racist the system will still disproportionately harm people of certain races. (Ex. POC)

[@italianboyz12345]

Loving your own isn't the same thing as hating or wanting to exterminate others. Our faith may be universal, but our nations are not and cannot function that way. Tribalism is real and cannot be ignored.

[@monkeymode7529]

It runs contrary to Catholic faith to discriminate based on race in any way, accept this or you are automatically excommunicated

[@lyricsmaster-20]

Thank you Father ❤️🙏

[@davidrepovz4577]

Thank you Fr. Mark-Mary and Fr. Pierre Toussaint! I like the prayer about asking Jesus to help us see what he sees, and feels what he feels about others. I will be incorporating this prayer into my life!

[@ruthmaryrose]

I’m wondering if anyone knows about another venerable black man, Fr. Augustus Tolton who had to go to Rome to be ordained because no U.S. seminary would accept him? Very sad to think that Catholics participated in discrimination.

[@jackdaw6359]

The church is listening to the world these days. What cowards.

[@Queezbo]

You are why good people can't be Roman Catholic anymore. In the Name of Jesus, just stop. Please. The Name of the Lrd is cursed among the gentiles because of you. Please, sincerely, stop.

[@femininedivin3]

@@Queezbo Right!!! I understand why many people leave the Church, because of this sort of hypocrisy. Proclaiming in the Nicene Creed their belief in Jesus Christ in one breath.....denying/ignoring the injustice on their fellow human being in another breath- much like the Priest and Levite in the Good Samaritan Parable, who reasoned that the man left half-dead was not their problem. It's disgusting.

[@mariorizkallah5383]

Scripture says to love thy neighbour, racism is a sin, us Catholics speak against sin, what is the issue?

[@jackdaw6359]

@@Queezbo You don't know me

[@jackdaw6359]

@@mariorizkallah5383 Love thy neighbor. Do not repeat lies. Do not accuse the innocent

[@wfleming537]

As a white person let me say a big problem is that a lot white folks conflate being uncomfortable with being threatened, that is a major stumbling block that we need to get over in order to have a real conversation

[@CaptainBill22]

Let me ask you a very simple question. Does race matter to you?

[@wfleming537]

@@CaptainBill22 what matters to me is that there are people who are materially harmed for no reason other than their race.

[@ssoomee]

^^^ this. I've been saying this for years, and a lot of people would look at me like I'm crazy, and again it's important to make it clear, that feeling uncomfortable for five minutes as a white person is simply not comparable to being physically threatened, harassed, and denied equal treatment for decades. I'm not about the 'struggle olympics,' but it's ok if white people admit that they may not have any personal experiences in the struggles that people of color have faced in the US (like literally, it's okay to admit that), but that doesn't mean that they can't be allies who listen and teach others how to be anti-racist (we ALL can participate in being anti-racist, which I cannot stress enough does not mean 'politically correct')

[@timsohn7057]

What people want to ignore is that we are different. We have different cultures, languages, foods, etc. Many cultures often incorporate norms and cultures into their faith. I am gonna make something up: There may be a tribe of people who accepted Jesus who pray in the mountains because they feel it is the place they feel connected with God and the world. There may be a culture where people share food as evangelism. “I believe we are all children of God, and I see no race.” Is both a noble, but also a very lazy and almost negligent behavior toward the fact that our world has differences. Some of us are successful, and some of is have incredible painful lives. Some are physically strong, some are weak. To connect, know, and deeply share compassion with these people, you realize that we must learn about different people and their realities to better love and care for them. This is also when you simultaneously realize how amazing the Lord is because He loves us all equally. “Unfortunately,” as I mentioned differences between people exist. I know this is a very difficult thing for many Christians to accept, particularly those who are part of the majority. Our minds are rigged to simplify and categorize things. It is not rigged to see tremendous differences between people, because this is inherently distressing. But we must learn about each other in the correct way. Us Christians have ignored this aspect of fellowship and love between people in the excuse that “I don’t see race in the kingdom of God.” I don’t treat people of different races different either. That is not my point. My point is that people of different races, ethnicities and cultures have many differences that we must be aware and learn in order to better understand and become friends. Personal interjection here, but I think it is beautiful that we have all these people from different backgrounds on this earth. It shows me how amazing the Lord has created us with all our diversities and blessings we can share from another.

[@dantaylor4275]

Thank you

[@Richie016]

The race is not more than an identifier of the difference in skin tones for humanity. Anything that has further broadened its scope and acceptance has just expanded the way of discrimination.

[@karinsweeney3376]

I need to know how to explain the difference between prejudice and racism

[@whiterabbit9562]

I have been ignored entirely by deli workers who are African bc they did not want to help me and been glared at for no reason, and one even cut in front of me when I was checking out, I understand it’s not to do with the whole race and they should not assume I am racist, I do not know very many people who are, but I feel bullying is the main problem for everyone of all races.