As women of faith, grounded in our Christian belief that all people are made in the image of God, we, the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, USA, decry recent events of violence and hatred against the Asian American/Pacific Islander community. Each act of hate and discrimination is abhorrent in a country built by immigrants and founded on the principle that all people are created equal. Incidences of violence against any person based on their race, faith or way of life diminishes our society as a whole.

In 2020, the Daughters of Charity took a stand affirming the dignity and human rights of all persons and pledged to eradicate racism in ourselves, the communities we serve and our country. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, previously subtle forms of racism against the Asian American/Pacific Islander community have exploded into the open with innocent persons bearing the brunt of misguided fear and blame, promulgated throughout the last 13 months.

We can no longer allow the next news cycle to move this issue from our immediate focus. It is long past time to put a stop to hatred, racism, and violence in all forms. The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, USA call on all people to take action to confront racism; support those most vulnerable in their communities who endure discrimination and aggression on a daily basis, and make their voices heard by lawmakers at all levels of government.

“We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of his love.” St. Vincent de Paul

Read statement on the Daughters of Charity web site