Opinion: Solidarity isn't optional

There has been a steady rise in attacks against Asians in the United States, and these instances have been heightened in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.

This injustice has manifested itself in a profoundly diabolical way in the recent shooting deaths of 8 people by a gunman at 3 separate massage businesses in Atlanta—six of the people killed being Asian women.

“The principle of solidarity, also articulated in terms of "friendship" or "social charity," is a direct demand of human and Christian brotherhood.”
(CCC 1939)

Catholics are called to solidarity as a direct demand. At Black Catholic Messenger, we are thus in unanimous solidarity with Asians.

God made all people in His image and likeness, and when that image is being attacked and murdered, as we are seeing currently with Asians, that solidarity is all the more critical. Because of this, it is crucial that we promote solidarity, especially at the intersection of struggles, and when that conversation may be uncomfortable.

As Black Catholics, this solidarity will mean the rooting out of anti-Asian racism within the Black community. This solidarity will mean recognizing the struggles of Black people are not far removed from those of Asians in the United States, with both struggles historically being produced in the sinful mechanism of white supremacy. This solidarity will mean that we refuse to allow anti-Black racism to be the response to injustice against Asian Americans.

It is always time for solidarity. Especially at this time.

As our Holy Father so eloquently wrote in paragraph 11 of Fratelli Tutti: “Goodness, together with love, justice and solidarity, are not achieved once and for all; they have to be realized each day.”

Stephen Staten is a co-founder and writer for BCM. A Black Catholic in the San Francisco Bay Area and a Knight of Peter Claver, Stephen is active in music ministry and in local Catholic action for racial justice. He is also Claudio Monteverdi's #1 fan.