“It makes us understand the seriousness about the responsibility to not only say something, but to do something about it,” he added.
The Church, he said, needs to produce a “statement in order to denounce racism and violence,” but must also “extend our support to our communities that are suffering with crimes and sin against each other.”
“I think the Church has been very strong and loud in this position, regarding racism,” he said.
The Church has “strongly denounced and condemned, racial discrimination - even hateful rhetoric and especially violence,” said Solis. “It is deeply rooted in our faith, the teachings of the Church, that we are all brothers and sisters with equal dignity. and life is precious. It's sacred and a person's dignity has to be respected and protected and nurtured.”
However, while the Church’s teachings on racism and dignity are clear, the message must be repeated in order for people to truly grasp it.
“Like the teacher, we need to keep on hammering on the lesson in order for the students to understand what it is all about,” he said. “I think that we need to echo back and repeat it as much as possible in order for the message to sink in,” Bishop Solis said.
And while the platitudes of diversity and acceptance are commonplace, Solis said it is time to “put some meat into our words” and work towards truly loving one another.
“Let’s start with ourselves,” said Solis. “The transformation of our society begins in the conversion of our hearts.”
“You know, we have to change our attitude. We need to learn how to see people - with only the eyes of faith, with the eyes of Christ. We need to see Christ in other people.”
“I believe in the goodness of humanity; that if we can just see and express the goodness and extend that to everyone, they'll change to be something,” Bishop Solis said.
Christine Rousselle is a former DC Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. Prior to working at CNA, she was the managing web editor of Townhall.com; she has a BA in political science from Providence College.