‘Reclaim the Dream’ rally is next weekend

Mindful of our duty to be advocates for those who hunger and thirst for justice, we, as Catholics, believe that all persons are made in the image and likeness of God and that all life is sacred. Yet racism is an evil which endures in our country and society today. The national news is cur rently

highlighting the battle at Ground Zero in New York  over the possible building of an Islamic interfaith complex as well as the controversial illegal-immigration law passed earlier this year in Arizona. Next weekend Washington DC plays host to the "Reclaim the Dream" Rally commemorating the anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech which plans to call attention to the parts of the dream that have not come to fruition. Also the same weekend, the "Take Back America" Tour makes a stop in Washington to promote the idea that America has been taken over by minorities. Clearly, the two groups are not in agreement. Rather than jump on one of these band- wagons, maybe we can use this opportunity to reflect on our attitudes and practices regarding racism and preju- dice. Racism is a sin; a sin that divides the human family and violates the fundamental human dignity of those called to be children of the same Father.