Human Solidarity

“Our first task in approaching another people, another culture, another religion, is to take off our shoes and walk gently, for the place we are approaching is holy. Else we may find ourselves treading on another’s dream. More serious still, we may forget...that God was there before our arrival.” - Author unknown

Every human being, regardless of race, sex, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, economic status, mental or physical ability, possesses an inherent dignity as a daughter or son of God. Catholic Social Teaching affirms this truth; in fact, the dignity of the human person is the underlying theme in all of the Church’s social pronouncements.

Diversity in the human community is a gift to be valued and nurtured. However, human dignity and basic human rights everywhere are threatened by violence, discrimination and ignorance. As an international Congregation we know the richness and beauty of our own diversity as Sisters of the Holy Cross. We stand together against prejudice, discrimination and hate in all its forms throughout the world.

In our work for justice, we are committed to:

• recognizing prejudice and discrimination within ourselves and, through prayer, education and mutual support, working to eradicate it
• working together to bring an end to all types of prejudice and discrimination in society and in the Church
• working in solidarity with gay and lesbian persons and other sexual minorities to bring an end to prejudice, discrimination and violence against them in society and in the Church
• protecting the human and civil rights of all marginalized persons and groups through legislative advocacy

For more information on issues related to human solidarity, check these links:

Videotapes: videos on Gay and Lesbian issues and Racism
Links page: organizations working to foster human solidarity
Click here for our CSC prayer service for Stop the Hate Day (October 6, 2005).