It takes time, effort and understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and respect. Let us agree today that in our homes, in our hearts and in our lives, we will all promote and encourage racial harmony, unity and understanding. The Institute for the Healing of Racism is founded in the belief that racism is the most powerful and persistent obstacle to the attainment of a just and peaceful society. The Institute holds as its mission to create an environment of learning in which men and women of all races can address each other in a spirit of open and honest discussion, free of blame and victimization. The principle of trusting consultation, grounded in the belief that truth lies not in the individual perspective, but in the unity of diverse souls, is fundamental.
Racism is a social and spiritual disease.
It is born of ignorance and fear, which feed upon each other. That which we are ignorant of becomes a source of fear. Fear itself breeds greater ignorance and the cycle continues. The hope of breaking this cycle lies in the recognition that racism is a disease which takes little account of laws and statutes, but which reaches into the individual heart and mind. It is felt that only through addressing racism in our own hearts can men and women of all races generate a compelling power to eradicate this pernicious disease which so cripples our nation and retards its progress toward true peace and justice.