Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate releases report on racial discrimination

A national survey of 2,401 adult Catholics in the United States found that 39% of respondents have experienced racial discrimination. The report, "Experiences of Race, Diversity, and Racism: A National Survey of Adult Catholics," was released Oct. 26 by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.

The survey indicated that 60% of adult Catholics believe racism exists within their local community. Within the Church, 10% of those polled reported experiencing racial discrimination within their parish community, and 11% reported such experiences within Catholic education.

Reported rates varied by group. Indigenous Catholics reported that 75% have experienced lifetime discrimination, with 15% in parishes and 23% in Catholic education. Black Catholics reported 66% lifetime discrimination, with 26% in parishes and 26% in Catholic education. Hispanic Catholics reported 54% lifetime discrimination, with 15% in parishes and 16% in Catholic education. Among Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Catholics, 54% reported lifetime discrimination, with 11% in parishes and 14% in Catholic education. Non-Hispanic white Catholics reported the lowest levels at 29%.

Researchers Mark M. Gray and Ali Mumbach conducted the survey between May 15 and June 30. Gray noted that the results suggest a connection between adult faith formation and an understanding of Church teachings regarding racism.