Letter to the editor: Heed bishop's words on racism

Regarding the article “Bishop Zubik calls for day of fasting and prayer for racial reconciliation” (Sept. 7, TribLIVE): Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik’s words remind all of us that each of us is “created in the image and likeness of God” — no adjectives or conditions attached. He is right, and I believe courageously fulfilling his duty as pastor and teacher to say clearly that it is “a very important time for all of us to look at what is the elephant in the room — racism.”

The time is important because racism in any person’s heart or in any public policy threatens the very foundation of the protection and enjoyment of every other human right from conception until natural death.

That is why, at this time, regardless of one’s personal religious tradition, we must hear his words with an openness to raise our consciousness that we may not have taken the time to do. Even if one does not choose to reflect from a religious or moral tradition, his words invite us to raise our consciousness about our American commitment to protect the “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” for every person — without adjectives or conditions.

Thank you, Bishop Zubik.

Sister Melanie Di Pietro

Greensburg