Archbishop writes on race

NEW ORLEANS -- In a pastoral letter released Dec. 15, Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes of New Orleans said the Gospel impels Christ's followers to end racial, ethnic and cultural prejudice. "Working for racial and cultural harmony is imperative, if we are to live the Gospel message of Jesus Christ," he said.

The pastoral is titled "Made in the Image and Likeness of God." Originally slated to appear in September 2005, the letter was delayed because of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of New Orleans. It was rewritten to reflect experiences since the hurricane that demonstrated the long-lasting effects of racism and racial discrimination in the archdiocese.

Among unaddressed racial issues, Hughes said, is the reality of "white privilege" and "generational poverty."

As for issues that affect all people, but African-Americans disproportionately, the archbishop mentioned substandard public education, a "two tiered" health care system that offers a different quality of care for the uninsured and underinsured, lack of affordable housing exacerbated by post-Katrina shortages and lack of jobs.

--Catholic News Service

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