THE COLOR OF GOD

In new book, Nigerian priest decries racism he finds in America

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- It is time for U.S. churches to combat racial injustice in their country and among their congregations, says a Catholic priest from Nigeria who has studied the problem. Holy Ghost Father Cajetan Ngozika Ihewulezi resides at Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish in North St. Louis and serves as a hospital chaplain while doing graduate studies. He is the author of a new book, "Beyond the Color of Skin: Encounters With Religions and Racial Injustice in America." In his book, which came out in November, he looks at the issue as an outsider. Father Ihewulezi came to St. Louis four years ago as a graduate student, first at St. Louis University, where he earned a master's degree in historical theology, and then at Aquinas Institute of Theology, where he is earning a doctorate.

He said some hospital patients don't want a black priest anointing them. "I see the churches, not just the Catholic Church but American churches, as having neglected the issue of civil rights and racial justice. It is as if they feel everything is OK. But in actuality negative things are still happening, and the continued silence calls for a renewed evaluation," Father Ihewulezi said.