In his book "Open Wide Our Hearts," Bishop George Murry argues that systemic racial injustices such as exclusionary zoning are a sin against human dignity. He writes that "all people are created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore have inherent dignity and worth." This means that all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Exclusionary zoning is a sin against human dignity because it denies people the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing. It also contributes to racial segregation and inequality. When people are denied access to quality housing, they are also denied access to good schools, jobs, and other opportunities. This can have a devastating impact on their lives and the lives of their families.
The common good is the good of all people in a society. It is the goal of creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Exclusionary zoning is a threat to the common good because it creates a society where some people are more privileged than others. It also contributes to social unrest and division.
In his video "Brothers and Sisters to Us," Bishop Murry argues that racial and economic justice are inextricably linked. He writes that "we cannot have racial justice without economic justice, and we cannot have economic justice without racial justice." This is because racism and poverty are both forms of injustice that create barriers to opportunity for people of color.
To address systemic racial injustices such as exclusionary zoning, we need to work to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to live in safe, affordable housing. We also need to work to dismantle the systems of racism and poverty that create barriers to opportunity for people of color. This will require a commitment to the common good and a recognition of the inherent dignity of all people.
Here are some specific steps that we can take to address exclusionary zoning:
* Support policies that promote affordable housing.
* Oppose policies that make it more difficult for people to build affordable housing.
* Advocate for zoning reforms that allow for more mixed-income housing.
* Educate the public about the negative effects of exclusionary zoning.
* Work to build relationships between people of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
By taking these steps, we can create a more just and equitable society for everyone.
*IG: whis.sama_ent