The USCCB ad hoc Committee Against Racism teamed with the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development and Loyola Press, to produce a children’s book perfect for the domestic church. Complete with free downloadable activities geared toward teaching reconciliation and the purpose of confession, the book was first released in December 2019.
Everyone Belongs tells the story of Ray Ikanga, a young boy whose family came to the United States as refugees. As Ray begins making new friends, his excitement is interrupted and the community is shocked when Ray’s family receives a hurtful message.
Inspired by Open Wide Our Hearts, the pastoral letter against racism, Everyone Belongs empowers young readers to reflect on the reality of racism in our society, to see it through the lens of faith.
The book received international attention in the Spanish Catholic weekly publication Alfa y Omega, which belongs to the Archdiocese of Madrid under Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra. The book was also a finalist in the Young Readers Children’s Book category in their Excellence in Publishing awards presented by the Association of Catholic Publishers.
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