A White Catholic's Guide to Racism and Privilege

Growing up, Fr. Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., never thought much about race, racism, or racial justice except for what he read in history books. His upbringing as a white, middle-class Catholic shielded him from seeing the persistent, pervasive racism all around him. Horan shares what he has since learned about uncovering and combatting racial inequity in our nation and in our Church, urging us to join the fight.

In the spring and summer of 2020, US cities erupted in protests and racial tensions ran high following several high-profile killings of Black women and men at the hands of White police officers. As America watched and listened, many of us became dislodged from our comfortable assumptions about race. Horan recognized this unnerving dynamic as a doorway to the awakening and spiritual conversion he has been undergoing for much of his adult life. In A White Catholic’s Guide to Racism and Privilege, Horan speaks prophetically to what has become a gnawing unease for so many. With candid critique and reflection, Horan helps us makes sense of crucial issues such as:

• The difference between what sociologists call common-sense racism and systemic racism.

• What is meant by white privilege and how it contributes to racial injustices.

• The Catholic Church’s teachings about racism, how those can still be developed, and what those teachings require of us.

• Combatting racism in our everyday lives.

As a white man, Horan shows his fellow white Catholics how to become actively anti-racist and better allies to our Black brothers and sisters as we work against racism in our culture and in the Church. He offers us the hope and surety of the Gospel, the wisdom of Catholic tradition, and some practical ways to educate ourselves and advocate for justice.

Each chapter includes a substantial suggested-reading list.

This book is perfect for individual or group study. A free, downloadable study journal is available at avemariapress.com.

Daniel P. Horan, O.F.M., is the Duns Scotus professor of spirituality at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he teaches systematic theology and spirituality. He is a columnist for National Catholic Reporter and the author of more than a dozen books, including The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton and Catholicity and Emerging Personhood, which received a 2020 Excellence in Publishing Award from the Association of Catholic Publishers.

Horan regularly lectures around the United States and abroad and serves on a number of university, academic, and publication editorial boards, including the St. Bonaventure University Board of Trustees, the Franciscan School of Theology Board of Regents, and the Board of Directors of the International Thomas Merton Society. He is cohost of The Francis Effect Podcast.