The racist video shared recently on social media by the White House depicting former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama is just the latest example of the use of offensive messages to dehumanize groups of people in the United States.
It is in keeping with the coarse and often violent language used by this White House and by President Donald Trump. That it came during Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of Black Americans to this country, is an additional insult.
The Sisters of Mercy are committed to eliminating personal and institutional racism and dismantling oppressive structures. We expect our public officials to do the same.
We join Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich and Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger in demanding an apology from the White House, regardless of who was responsible for the offensive post.
Rather, let us speak the truth in love, and grow to the full maturity of Christ, the head. Through Christ, the whole body grows. With the proper functioning of each member, firmly joined together by each supporting ligament, the body builds itself up in love. —Ephesians 4:15-16 and 25-29