Catholic Conversation on Race: Catholics need to help make 'the dream' a reality, panelists say

[UrbScotty]

Grimes noted that Coretta Scott said that every generation must take up these battles for justice and opportunity, and today's Catholics must utilize new technology and rely on their Church's social justice teachings in this effort.

She said African-Americans have endured racism and discrimination in the continuing struggle for civil rights in our country. "What helped them was their deep spirituality, and the recognition this was a spiritual battle," Grimes said.

Panelist John Carr, the director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, expressed regret that members of our country's political parties seem to use or ignore religion, which he said should play a key part in confronting the issues highlighted by the historic march.

"I think we're losing a sense that the March on Washington was as much a religious experience as it was a political experience," said Carr, who previously served as the executive director of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He noted that Dr. King, with his famous "I Have a Dream" address to the marchers, "gave a sermon, not a speech."

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