Subtle racism lurks even in church, Minnesota archbishop says

Published: 2003-10-23

ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) -- Underneath the veil of "Minnesota nice" for which the state is known lurks a persistent racism that can afflict even the most well-meaning Catholics, according to Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul-Minneapolis. And it does not stop at church doors, he wrote in a new pastoral letter. "Racism here is sometimes more subtle, less blatant," he said in the letter, titled "In God's Image." "It might take the form of ignoring or turning a cold shoulder to people of color, rather than saying overtly, 'I don't shake hands with people of your type.' Racism here is often more indirect and less open. I sometimes hear remarks from community or parish leaders who say, 'We're not racist. We don't have a problem here,'" he added. "As sincere as these remarks might be, I believe they are based on lack of awareness, on ignorance."

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