Religion can help conquer racism, xenophobia, Baltimore cardinal says

Published: 2004-09-16

BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNS) -- Religious communities can contribute to the elimination of racism, xenophobia and nationalism, Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore told European and North American officials. The cardinal said religious communities can "help heal society's divisions through dialogue and interaction." "Though religion may be misused -- even tragically at times -- or distorted, it can offer positive values to society and can be a major force for healing the infection of racism and xenophobia," Cardinal Keeler said Sept. 13 during a conference on tolerance and fighting racism, xenophobia and discrimination. Cardinal Keeler was named by Secretary of State Colin Powell as a member of the U.S. delegation to the Brussels conference, sponsored by the Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe. "Speaking very personally, I know that genuine dialogue, collaboration and reconciliation have strengthened my faith, enriched my religious community, helped to heal my nation's wounds and build bridges across a divided world," he said.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .