The Michigan Catholic Conference recently published a column in response to the racial injustice occurring in the United States.

“Do Justice, Love Goodness, and Walk Humbly with God” was authored by Michigan Catholic Conference President and CEO Paul A. Long as an installment of the Word from Lansing column that appears regularly in Catholic publications. While it is tragic to see yet another unjust killing of a human being, Long wrote, the holy scriptures point to a path forward in a discouraging time. 

“All are made in the image and likeness of God: those of every race, age and circumstance,” Long wrote. “Our teaching has clear direction for the way Catholics should interact with one another; it means that the unborn, the immigrant, the elderly, the imprisoned and those struggling with poverty, illness or other challenges have inherent value. Everyone’s status as a child of God demands respect.”

Paul A. Long | Diocese of Lansing

At this time in history, it is especially important to focus on the importance of black lives, as so many violent acts have been unfairly committed against people because of their skin color. Paying attention to black lives is not about downplaying the importance of all lives, says Long, but rather focusing on the lives that have been supplanted for so many years. 

“The Church can assist in these conversations: providing safe spaces for people to come together, sharing the importance of loving one’s neighbor, encouraging active listening over partisan bickering (from all political persuasions), calling out the evil and sin of racism, and advocating for policy changes that address unjust societal structures, especially those that disproportionately impact people of color,” Long wrote.

The Catholic Church is hard at work to further the message of the importance of black lives through dialogues with the U.S. House and Senate, advocating for updated policies from police and law enforcement to prevent the needless use of excessive force. While individuals who are caught in discussions about racial injustice may not have the right words to say, Long invites these people to lean into the Catholic Church’s approach to the issue: listening and engaging.