As an elderly white woman who attempts to follow the teachings of Jesus, I have come to the late understanding that, by virtue of living seven-plus decades in a dominant culture that privileges me over people of color, I am a racist.

This does not mean that I have borne ill will to or intentionally harmed those who are not white. It does mean that in my silence and failure to challenge the status quo I have contributed to systemic racism in our institutions of health, education, finance, government and yes, in our churches.

All the worlds major religions have something similar to Christianitys golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Only as we acknowledge that we have failed to treat our brothers and sisters of color as we wish to be treated can there be hope for the transformation of this nation into one where there truly exists liberty and justice for all. Only in our humility, repentance and constructive, collaborative action can that hope be realized.

Carolyn Holmes

Spokane

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Live the golden rule - The Spokesman-Review