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Before we can celebrate Juneteenth, we as a country must do better at
living into its promise.
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the
dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for
society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social
teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from the
inhumane and long-term effects of systemic racism.
We believe that every person is precious, that people are more
important than things, and that the measure of every institution is
whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human
person.
So, on Juneteenth, we recommit to the work that needs to be done for
reconciliation to address and correct our participation in unjust
structures. To fully embody our belief in the life and dignity of every
human person.
And, while we persist in these endeavors, we do not forget our mission
to meet our community's immediate needs in the Archdiocese of
Seattle offering care, food, shelter, and other services to all who require
it.
Every day, let us honor the dignity of every person and work to fulfill the
promise of Juneteenth.
Excerpts from Msgr. John J. Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities
