The Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids condemn racism. Hate and discrimination diminish us all. We grieve with the citizens of our United States and with all of us who are also harmed by racist words and actions anywhere. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones, with all who live in fear, and with all whose dignity is threatened by hate and violence. ~ Corporate Statement 2019
The Dominican Sisters~Grand Rapids Inclusion Team exists to foster growth and transformation that creates, supports, and sustains a diverse, inclusive, and racially equitable culture on the Marywood campus.
We challenge ourselves to engage in the work of anti-racism. Periodically we’ll share resources from our discussions and invite you to consider them for your personal reflection. Today we share a Lenten Lamentation.
Our campus flag was lowered this past week to remember eight people, including six women of Asian descent, killed in Atlanta-March 16. We call out and mourn the killings in Atlanta, the increased assaults, and hateful speech toward the Asian community this past year.
And in the same week, yet another mass murder of 10 people, the assault in Boulder, Colorado, rends our hearts. God, have mercy on all those who mourn and all those who are fearful.
We ask God to strengthen the families who have lost loved ones and the entire Atlanta, GA and Boulder, CO communities impacted by these tragedies.
In a statement by Gregory Hartmeyer, OFM, Conv., Archbishop of Atlanta, we were reminded to “reach out to our neighbors with love and protection….many fear for their safety… We must be active in our pursuit to end racism and discrimination….for we are called to be God’s human community of peace, inclusion and justice.” Read full statement here.
We pray and lament the harm our silence or words inflict on others when we do not see or recognize their human dignity.
We ask forgiveness!