The Mexican-American and the Church Persuasive
Speech
César E. Chávez • 1968 • Second Annual Mexican-American Conference
We ask the Church to sacrifice with the people for social change, for justice, and for love of brother. We
don't ask for words. We ask for deeds.
The Church has a responsibility to the people. It must be concerned with the whole person, and it must be
concerned with the social conditions which affect that person.
We ask the Church to stand with the poor, with the farm workers, and with all those who are struggling for
justice. We ask the Church to help bring about the changes necessary so that people may live with dignity.
The Church cannot remain apart from the struggle for justice. It must share the suffering of the people and
help transform the conditions that cause that suffering.
