LCWR joined 40 national Catholic leaders and prominent theologians at universities across the country in releasing an open letter urging "our fellow Catholics Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum to stop perpetuating ugly racial stereotypes on the campaign trail."
The letter, authored by John Gehring of Faith in Public Life, was posted January 19 on the organization’s website and reminded Gingrich and Santorum that "Catholic bishops describe racism as an ‘intrinsic evil’ and consistently defend vital government programs such as food stamps and unemployment benefits that help struggling Americans. At a time when nearly 1 in 6 Americans live in poverty, charities and the free market alone can’t address the urgent needs of our most vulnerable neighbors."
The letter concluded by urging Gingrich, Santorum, and all presidential candidates "to reject the politics of racial division, refrain from offensive rhetoric and unite behind an agenda that promotes racial and economic justice."
