A NONVIOLENT RESPONSE TO RACISM
Sr Sheila Kinsey, Co-Secretary of the UISG USG Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission, participated the protest against Racism in Rome.
(Photos: from the left: Sr Sheila and Sr Anne Corry)
She shares her motivation with us: “I have been in supportive communication with my family, religious community and the JPIC Promoters of LCWR. My heart has been filled with such sadness as I watched the US experience such pain responding to the brutal death of George Floyd. I prayed for him as I watched the video of his dying moments. To realize this was happening in my country, was so unsettling and troubling. Seeing so many compassionate gestures did bring some consolation.
I needed to go to the Piazza del Populo to be present with others experiencing this pain and be a part of a worldwide response. The JPIC sign had two messages: Racial Justice and Racial Equality. The piazza was full of people taking the time to pray to protest, to advocate, to be united. The event in the US was the focus but the connection to a worldwide response raised the voice of similar injustices. The event closed with the whole assembly leaving peacefully and continuing to honor the many messages on the signs. One said “If you are tired of hearing about racism, try experiencing it.”