Statements by the Catholic Bishops of the United States

Discrimination of Christian Conscience

On November 14th, 1958, the Catholic Bishops of the United States came out with an official statement on the discrimination Black Americans faced throughout the United States. The document came late and long after individual Catholics and Catholic groups began to fight racial injustice, indicating how the Catholic Church delayed in officially joining the Civil Rights conversation. It urged American Catholics to act as an “obligation of justice” against racial injustice. Although the statement endorsed action, it warned against haste, communicating a lackluster message that did not activate American Catholics into action.

“It is a sign of wisdom, rather than weakness, to study carefully the problems we face, to prepare for advances, and to by-pass the nonessential if it interferes with essential progress.” (Discrimination of Christian Conscience 1958)

Statement on National Race Crisis

On April 25th, 1968, the Catholic Bishops of the United States followed up on their 1958 statement, admitting they had not taken enough action against racial injustice. The document urged that the need for action was immediate and pressing, providing specific examples for actions to take for housing, education, and job opportunities as well as collaboration among other religious groups.

 “There is no place for complacency and inertia. The hour is late and the need is critical. Let us act while there is still time for collaborative peaceful solutions.” (Statement on National Race Crisis 1968)