text: Pt. 1
  The Catholic Church, in general, has been slow to combat racism.  Some 20th Century historical events to demonstrate this are: In 1954, the US Supreme Court outlawed segregation in educational institutions. U.S. Bishops in 1958 concluded that enforced segregation could not be reconciled with the Christian view of the human person.  This weak response offered no concrete guidance or recommendations for implementation.  Other Christian denominations were much more specific---denouncing the Ku Klux Klan, and promising the integration of their church facilities.  During Vatican II---only two American bishops cited 'Race Relations' as a problematic issue in their nation. In 1962, only 9 Catholic laity journeyed from Chicago to Albany, Georgia to support a local effort against racial segregation.  This was "the largest group of American Catholics that participated in the non-violent movement."