Racism is a sin: a sin that divides the human family, blots out the image of God among specific members of that family, and violates the fundamental human dignity of those called to be children of the same Father. Racism is the sin that says some human beings are inherently superior and others essentially inferior because of races. It is the sin that makes racial characteristics the determining factor for the exercise of human rights. It mocks the words of Jesus: "Treat others the way you would have them treat you." Indeed, racism is more than a disregard for the words of Jesus; it is a denial of the truth of the dignity of each human being revealed by the mystery of the Incarnation.
Brothers and Sisters to Us - U.S. Catholic Bishops Pastoral Letter on Racism 1979
“We have come a long way in healing the racial wounds of many centuries and in transforming the many racially unjust systems that divided America for so long. Slavery and legalized segregation are a thing of the past … these are great strides, and we need to keep this progress in mind. Nonetheless, these very significant advances should not cause us to settle for the status quo. There is always more work to be done on this side of heaven.”
On Earth as It Is in Heaven: Restoring God's Vision of Race and Discipleship - Fr. Josh Johnson