National Conference Call

On February 2, 2017, a National Conference Call was held in which diocesan directors, coordinators and liaisons for African AmericanCatholics/Multicultural Ministry participated to discuss what is being done in the (arch)dioceses to respond to concerns about law enforcement, mass incarceration and valuing Black lives. Participants were asked to prepare for the call by reading the USCCB Special Task Force to Promote Peace In Our Communities: Final Report and Recommendations and reflecting on the questions below:
  • What has been the response of the Church in your diocese to the news of excessive force and/or deadly encounters with law enforcement? 
  • What structure(s) in your diocese address(es) these concerns?  Are you represented or do you have access to these structures?
  • What diocesan programs or initiatives have been hosted or are scheduled in 2017?
  • What resources have you found most helpful (i.e., print, video, online or other media)?
  • What further suggestions or lessons learned would you offer?

Below is the information provided from diocesan directors, coordinators and liaisons from African American Catholics/Multicultural Ministry in response to the National Call.

Diocesan Reports

Reports from (arch)dioceses reflect what has been/will be done to address the issue of racism in response to the questions asked prior to the National Call.

Archdiocese of Cincinnati - Read the report and novenas used to help promote peace in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Archdiocese of Philadelphia - Read how the Archdiocese of Philadelphia continued the conversation of race, poverty, housing, violence, education, and policing during their A Dream in Black and White - Growing in Understanding as Catholics gathering as part of their Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities.

Archdiocese of St. Louis - Read an overview of activities in the Archdiocese of St. Louis that focused on promoting peace in our communities in response to racial tension stemming from the events in Ferguson, submitted by I. Lynn Squires, President of the St. Charles Lwanga Center.

Diocese of Arlington - Read how the Diocese of Arlington has and will continue to call for peace in our communities.

Diocese of Austin - Read the response to the questions asked prior to the National Call.

Diocese of Camden - The Diocese of Camden hosted a lecture by Bishop Edward K. Braxton on the Racial Divide and The Catholic Church and the Black Lives Matter Movement on March 24, 2017. A panel discussion with U.S. Senator Corey Booker (R), Police Department Rep & Clergy on prison reform and violence on the streets will be held in the future.

Diocese of Cleveland - The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland's Committee on Race and Office of Ministry to African American Catholics hosted "In Christ There is No East or West: Prayer for Healing" on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. This event allowed for people to gather as community in prayer, to come together to take time to heal and to advocate for justice.

Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend - The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend hosted a Sankofa program in November 2016. See attached flyer and agenda, submitted by Deacon Mel Tardy.

Diocese of Lake Charles - Read the response to the questions asked prior to the National Call, submitted by Deacon Ed Lavine.

Diocese of Wilmington - Read a summary report of the Diocese of Wilmington's involvement and activities aimed at addressing concerns of violence and racial injustice in the community, submitted by Deacon Bob Cousar.

Homilies

Archdiocese of Cincinnati - Read the homilies, homily helps, and guidelines from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on the topic of racial justice and promoting peace.

Articles

Archdiocese of Philadelphia - Read the article from The Philadelphia Tribune on how the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office for Black Catholics held three sessions to discuss racial healing.