BLACK LIVES MATTER
Rome, Italy – June 8, 2020 The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur condemn the brutal killing of George Floyd by police officers. This latest atrocity once again highlights the lack of respect for the dignity of people of color especially our black brothers and sisters. We join all those across the globe who condemn oppression, discrimination and racism. This sin of racism must be recognized, addressed and ended in all corners of our local and global society. We stand with those who work for justice.
The horrific video of George Floyd’s killing will not be forgotten. May it move us to a deeper recognition and respect for human life. We offer prayers of consolation, support and healing to the Floyd Family.
As an international Congregation, we acknowledge our own institutional complicity in racist attitudes, bias and behavior. We ask forgiveness for our failures in facing racism within our own institution.
We commit to continue working for the changes needed to protect Black Americans of all ages from personal criticism, violence, terror, and fear for self and their loved ones.
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are women religious in an international Congregation, founded in France in 1804 by St. Julie Billiart. Sisters serve in Belgium, Brazil, Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy, Japan, Haiti, Kenya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, South Sudan, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe, and in 27 states throughout the USA.
We commit ourselves to make known God’s goodness through education in a variety of ministries. We staff offices/centers in Rome, ITALY, Namur, BELGIUM and Ipswich, MA, USA. We work to change lives and “to stand with people made poor in a world marked by increasing divisions and inequalities” (2014 General Chapter Calls).
