Dear editor:
What happened in Charlottesville runs contrary to this nations core values. Whether Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian or socialist, all reasonable citizens should condemn this action as racist and anti-Constitutional. There should be no ambiguity coming from the White House, our national political leaders or our religious leaders on this matter.
As a gay man and a person of faith, I cannot remain silent when the fabric of this nation is being torn apart by bigotry. President Trump's statement was obviously an appeasement to his base, not the nation. Coddling white racists can no longer be tolerated, and I hope the Justice Department implements an immediate investigation so those responsible are held accountable by our Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
I am glad to see our political leaders outside of the Trump circle; both Democrat and Republican are soundly condemning this violent confrontation for what it is "hate." White racism must be seriously dealt with; we can no longer ignore it.
As a gay Roman Catholic, I am glad to see our Catholic bishops have issued a statement of condemnation, and our Catholic journalism community are soundly condemning this act of violence.
However, the United Conference of Catholic Bishops' ( USCCB ) can no longer prefer a invisible African-American Catholic community. It is time to move from conversation to mission.
African-Americans in the Catholic Church must be allowed to speak for themselves when it comes to pastoral ministry and social justice. "Sieg heil" should have no place in that national conversation. David Duke and President Trump must both be condemned for promoting fear and hate. White nationalists like Stephen Miller and Sebastian Gorkajust steps away from the Oval Officemust also be condemned.
The LGBTQ community is a very diverse community and we must join in this national conversation. We must have the courage to look inward and challenge bigotry within our own mists. Those people in our community who would divide our community into Black, white, Jewish, Muslim and gender issues must be challenged.
When it comes to racism all of us have fell short. Let Charlottesville be our wakeup call! It is time for Chicago to take the lead in opposing hate.
Now more than ever, we need groups like Equality Illinois to bring the Chicago LBGTQ community together for a dialogue on race. Our community of faith leaders also have a very important part to play.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement ( LBGTQ Roman Catholics )