Letters to the editor
COVID-19 and the George Floyd Murder
Jane Kryzanowski, Bishop for RCWP Canada, Regina, SK
Volume 34 Issue 7, 8 & 9 | Posted: October 7, 2020
We live in challenging times. Two things have captured the news headlines for the past few months. First, the global coronavirus pandemic, and second, the senseless and cruel murder of George Floyd and other people of colour at the hands of police officers who are often white.
The coronavirus seems to be in no hurry to go away; we do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones by following the directives of our public health officials. It is important that we be concerned for the welfare of all God’s people. We know that those who live on the margins of society and in minority communities are most severely affected by Covid-19. They suffer disproportionately as the virus rages and the economy collapses. There is a marked increase in mental health distress, overuse of drugs, and domestic violence.
We live in challenging times. Two things have captured the news headlines for the past few months. First, the global coronavirus pandemic, and second, the senseless and cruel murder of George Floyd and other people of colour at the hands of police officers who are often white.
The coronavirus seems to be in no hurry to go away; we do what we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones by following the directives of our public health officials. It is important that we be concerned for the welfare of all God’s people. We know that those who live on the margins of society and in minority communities are most severely affected by Covid-19. They suffer disproportionately as the virus rages and the economy collapses. There is a marked increase in mental health distress, overuse of drugs, and domestic violence.
The demonstrations around the world following the murder of George Floyd proclaim that “Black Lives Matter” and lament the injustice of social structures that disregard or even disparage the basic human rights of people, based on their skin colour.
Together the two realities of Covid-19 and the murder of George Floyd highlight the root cause of disadvantage and injustice. It lies in the attitude of white superiority and privilege brought to this continent by agents of colonial powers in Europe.
It can not be denied that Canada is a white supremacist society. From the time of the first settlers, Canada has engaged in genocidal practices to drive the Indigenous people from their land and claim it as our own. Canada has not done much better with black people and other people of colour who come to Canada to seek security, freedom and peace.
In the past decade two important initiatives examined the genocidal and racial policies of the Canadian government: The Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) Hearings and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Inquiry. Reports, including recommendations for redressing the wrongs against Indigenous people and their communities, provide us with excellent guidance for actions that we can take to contribute to the eradication of racism and other forms of systemic oppression. The MMIWG report specifically includes recommendations relating to gay individuals.
As faithful followers of Christ Jesus, we are called to take actions to live Gospel justice each day. I invite members of Roman Catholic Women Priests Canada, and the communities we serve to:
- Uphold the dignity and rights of all people as equally children of God;
- Proclaim faithfully the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is one of radical, inclusive love for all;
- Examine the pedestals of privilege we occupy regarding Black, Indigenous, and all People of Colour;
- Reach out in our communities to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour in friendship to build positive relationships;
- Be a voice for the oppressed and undertake actions to support those who suffer from any form of discrimination and the effects of marginalization.
Included with this letter are some suggestions that can be used to assist us in this important work. No doubt you have some of your own to draw upon. Together we can take actions that move ourselves, our communities and our country to become a society that is inclusive of all – if we believe that in Christ we are one.
+ Jane Kryzanowski
Bishop for RCWP Canada
Suggestions for practical ways we can be prophetic voices and servant to our communities:
1. Read and discuss: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf
2. Layla Saad carries the work of McIntosh forward in her book, Me and White Supremacy. Organize study groups to explore issues of white privilege and discrimination using her book.
3. Check out multi-cultural, multi-faith agencies in your community that come together in a good way to promote dialogue, understanding and relationship building. Participate in activities to learn more about Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.
4. Learn more about 2SLGBTQQIA from someone you know or visit http://dignitycanada.org/,
5. Register to participate in Circles for Reconciliation. http://circlesforreconciliation.ca/
6. Reconciliation is a lifelong learning process and ConnectR is there to support you along the way. https://www.beaconnectr.org/the-connectr-story/
7. Write letters to federal and local politicians on timely issues as they arise such as increased support for homelessness, mental health, addiction services, domestic violence, etc.
8. Participate in marches and demonstrations to show support for BIPOC, MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA.
9. Support the Amnesty International Campaign, “No More Stolen Sisters.” https://www.amnesty.ca/our-work/campaigns/no-more-stolen-sisters
10. Study the TRC Report and Calls to Action (#58-61 are specifically addressed to churches and faith communities). Choose an action to pursue in your community. http://www.trc.ca/assets/pdf/Honouring_the_Truth_Reconciling_for_the_Future_July_23_2015.pdf
11. Study the Report of the MMIWG Inquiry and its recommendations. Chapter 4 deals with 2SLGBTQQIA. https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/. Lobby your MLA for releasing its action plan to implement the recommendations of the report.
12. Familiarize yourself with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf. Ask the federal government why this has not been adopted by Canada yet.
13. Share the Good News of your successes and challenges. We all learn from each other!
Jane Kryzanowski, Bishop for RCWP Canada, Regina, SK