Racism and Structural Sin

Conor M. Kelly is an associate professor in the department of theology at Marquette University. He completed his theological training at the University of Notre Dame (BA and MTS) and Boston College (PhD). His research and teaching examine the implications of Catholic ethics for ordinary life. He and his family are parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

• ContentsForeword   viiIntroduction   1Part IThe Catholic Obligation to Confront Racism   11Chapter OnePersonal Manifestations of Racism   13Chapter TwoSocial Manifestations of Racism   24Part IIStructural Racism as Structural Sin   35Chapter ThreeThe Structural Nature of Structural Sin   37Chapter FourThe Sinful Function of Structural Sin   47Part IIIRacism as Structural Sin Today   57Chapter FivePolicing and Housing   59 Chapter SixHealthcare and Education   68Part IVConfronting Racism with Catholic Social Teaching   79Chapter SevenConfronting Racism with Human Dignity and the Common Good   81Chapter EightConfronting Racism with Solidarity and Subsidiarity   90Conclusion   101Notes   107Recommended Resources for Further Theological Reflection   115

"Although racism impacts us profoundly, it remains a sensitive and polarizing topic that is difficult to broach in many faith communities. Conor Kelly provides an opening. Drawing from the traditional frameworks and resources of Catholic moral theology, he supplies an introduction to the social dimensions of racism. Racism and Structural Sin is both nuanced and accessible, useful for faith formation as well the seminary, undergraduate, and high school classroom."Joseph S. Flipper, Mary Ann Spearin Chair of Catholic Theology, University of Dayton