Peace and Justice Update Volume 1, Issue 1 -- February/March 2020
The Peace and Justice Commission fosters justice and the dignity of every h uman person, in accordance with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
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Confronting and Working to End the Sin of Racism
Inaugural Message from the Chair In this Issue:
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Peace Message from the Commission and Justice Update, a new publication from the Chair Diocese of Arlington Peace and Justice Commission designed to inform, educate and What Does the Church Teach galvanize our local Church in the service of About Racism? justice and human dignity. In support of Bishop Burbidge’s commitment to advance the work of Peace and Justice Calendar peace and justice in our diocese, the How is our Diocese Addressing Commission plans to publish every other Racism? month and hopes this resource will accomplish two goals: first, that it will support those in our Get to Know Cardinal Wilton diocese already involved in the struggle for Gregory, a Voice for Justice peace and justice, and introduce others to the work and invite them to become involved; and Parish Corner second, that it will furnish resources to form all of us in Catholic Social Teaching and our The Work of the Peace and Justice Church’s demand that we “do justice, love Commission goodness, and walk humbly with [ ]our God.” Micah 6:8.
On a practical level, this resource will attempt Peace and Justice Calendar to help us break out of our individual and parish Saturday, March 20, 2021, 5 pm -- Peace silos and enable us to learn from each other, by and Justice Commission Conference, providing information about diocesan and Open Wide our Hearts. Keynote by parish peace and justice activities and events in Cardinal Wilton Gregory. Details and which we can all participate. registration information to come.
Our first issue focuses on the serious sin of Tuesday, March 23, 7 pm -- The Church racism, a topic sadly highlighted by so many Is a Garden with Many Colors. Join St. tragic recent events. We hope you will find it John Neumann parish via Zoom to hear helpful as you contemplate your own response Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS share his to this offense against human dignity. art and stories in this special evening presentation celebrating Saints and We invite your charitable comments and Prophets of Color throughout Church suggestions as we develop and improve this history. We will take an enlightening look at publication, and we look forward to hearing racial diversity and church teachings and from you at [email protected] about actions—the good, the bad, the ugly, and upcoming events in your parish on any topic the beautiful. Flyer available here. RSVP to within the purview of the Commission. Let us [email protected] to register. pray for each other as together we seek to do the will of the Prince of Peace and Sun of Justice.
Very Reverend Robert C. Cilinski Chair
Want to list your parish peace and justice events? Send details for dates in April and beyond to [email protected], with copy to [email protected]. Deadline: March 15
What Does the Church Teach about Racism?
The Church’s condemnation of racism is founded on the bedrock belief that all people have equal dignity, having been created in God’s image, and that Christ redeemed us all. “The equality of men rests essentially on their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it: ‘Every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the grounds of sex, race, color, social conditions, language, or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design.’” Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1935, quoting Gaudium et Spes, No. 29 (1965). The Church leaves no doubt about the seriousness of this sin: “Racism is not merely one sin among many; it is a radical evil that divides the human family and denies the new creation of a redeemed world.” Brothers and Sisters to Us, No. 39 (1979). Our commitment to the dignity of human life marks us as a consistently pro-life people, and Pope Francis has emphasized that our racial attitudes must be part of our pro-life commitment, telling us that “[w]e cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of human life.” June 3, 2020.
Our responsibility to root out racism exists on both personal and societal levels. “Catholic teaching,” in the words of our Bishops, “emphasizes not only the individual conscience, but also the political, legal, and economic structures through which policy is determined and issues are adjudicated.” Economic Justice for All, No. 259 (USCCB 1986). Racism proceeds from our failure to recognize and embrace our shared humanity and leads to exploitation of the other whom we see as different. As Catholic Christians we must take our blinders off, and help remove the blinders of others, so we can see the commonality we share as children of God and members of the human race. Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore laid out the foundational principles of Catholic social teaching as they apply to racism in this article in America Magazine.
So how do we begin? The first step is personal conversion. St. John Paul II tells us that “social sin [is] the result of the accumulation and concentration of many personal sins . . . of those who cause or support evil or who exploit it; of those who . . . fail to [avoid or limit social evils] out of laziness, fear or the conspiracy of silence . . . of those who take refuge in the supposed impossibility of changing the world and also of those who sidestep the effort and sacrifice required. . . . The real responsibility, then, lies with individuals. . . . At the heart of every situation of sin are always to be found sinful people.” Apostolic Exhortation Reconciliation and Penance, No. 16 (1984). Our bishops have issued the challenge: “What is needed, and what we are calling for, is a genuine conversion of heart, a conversion that will compel change, and the reform of our institutions and society. Conversion is a long road to travel. . . . However, in Christ we can find the strength and the grace necessary to make that journey. In this regard, each of us should adopt the words of Pope Francis as our own: let no one ‘think that this invitation is not meant for him or her.’” Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love - A Pastoral Letter Against Racism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 2018
As Father Bryan Massingale makes clear, personal conversion demands cultivating an awareness of racism, both conscious and unconscious, in ourselves -- and resolving to root it out. “The Assumptions of White Privilege and What We Can Do About It,” Rev. Bryan Massingale, NCR Online June 1, 2020. Using the resources here and elsewhere, we can examine our consciences regularly to become more aware of those unconscious biases we carry within us. We can pray for conversion of heart. We can bolster our listening skills, listening to others and trying to learn more about them, meditating on their lives and experiences, and trying to imagine ourselves in their position.
We must also learn to work against the racism of others and of our society. This process can start with small personal actions. We can invite our families and friends to the same conversion of heart and intentional listening to others that we are cultivating in ourselves, and we can accompany them on their journey.
Part of this process is educating ourselves about the history and pernicious effects of racism in our church and in society. Historical prejudices and attitudes have created a framework of systemic racism that have produced discrimination and denied opportunities in voting rights, housing, healthcare, education and employment, as well as inequities in policing and the criminal justice system. Only after cultivating a greater understanding of the pervasiveness and destructiveness of racism can we begin to take larger steps. You might begin with these resources for learning.
We can consider how our own parishes can bring racial justice to the fore. Some initial ideas might come from St. John Neumann parish’s Racial Justice Ministry, which is highlighted in this issue’s “Parish Corner.” Parish prayer services, film screenings, or study groups might be a good place to start.
Jesus himself invites us to embrace all our brothers and sisters. Today that means standing together in the quest for racial justice and equity.
How is Our Diocese Addressing Racism?
On October 1, Bishop Michael Burbidge created the Advisory Council on Racism with the appointment of 14 Black lay leaders and clergy from across the diocese. The group is tasked with developing a strategic plan to address racism in the diocese.
Bishop Burbidge attended the council’s first meeting October 28, along with Fr. Robert Cilinski, pastor of the Church of the Nativity in Burke, chairman of the diocese’s Peace and Justice Commission and non-voting liaison to the advisory council. The council will meet monthly in 2021 and is considering a number of plans, including listening sessions, parish-based education and an ongoing focus on prayer.
In August, the bishop presided over a moving prayer service, “Requiem for the Black Children of God” at St. Thomas More Cathedral, where he said, “We acknowledge the darkness of having failed to hear and act on the cries of our Black brothers and sisters.”
During the somber memorial, a bell tolled as each name was read of 55 Black men and women killed in acts of racial violence and hatred. The list began with 14-year-old Emmett Till, who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955, and ended with George Floyd, who died on Memorial Day after a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes.
“God hears those who cry out to him,” the bishop noted. “With God’s grace and blessing, we will find the courage to no longer be silent, to come out from under the bushel basket and to carry the light of Christ before others.”
What can Catholics do to concretely combat racism? A great start is to become educated on the history of racism in our church and in our country and its devastating effects on Americans today. The United States Council of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism offers a wealth of resources on its website.
A second step involves personal reflection and a willingness to listen to others’ experiences. Fr. Scott Woods from the Archdiocese of Washington outlined these efforts at a virtual event organized by Arlington’s Peace and Justice Commission in August.
“What does it mean to love my neighbor,” Fr. Woods asked. “It means learning to listen and getting to know more about them.”
If we want to work against racism, we can start with prayer and small actions on a personal level, Fr. Woods urged. “We can pray for a metanoia, a change of heart” in ourselves and in society, he said. “Examine your own conscience, ‘How do I speak about my neighbor?’”
The Communion of Saints Parish Corner
Six African Americans are currently St. John Neumann’s new Racial Justice Ministry in Reston on the path to sainthood. Their seems to be in just the right place at the right time for varied lives and experiences as parishioners and neighboring people of faith seeking formerly enslaved persons, online discussions and opportunities. educators, priests and servants of the poor remind us God calls each of The Reston parish was preparing to offer racial justice us to sanctity regardless of the programs that were abruptly sidelined in March due to circumstances of our lives. Holy COVID. But soon afterward, the killings of George Floyd, men and women progress from the Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor ignited a sense of designation of Servant of God to urgency that led the parish to press forward digitally. Venerable and then to Blessed before being canonized a saint. In September, the new ministry announced a series of online programs. Organizers sponsored three eight-week Servant of God Sister Thea JustFaith study and discussion groups on “Faith and Bowman (1937-1990) served as a Racial Equity,” attracting 43 participants. Three more teacher, college professor, sessions are scheduled in 2021. evangelist, singer and writer. Born a free woman of color, Venerable Screenings and discussions of “Just Mercy” and “The Henriette Delille (1812-1862) Best of Enemies,” drew many attendees. Fr. Tuck Grinnell, experienced a religious conversion retired pastor of St. Peter Church in Washington, Virginia, at age 24 and later founded the spoke on “The Virus of Racism” in a talk attended by 120 Society of the Holy Family to participants. minister to enslaved persons in New Orleans. Venerable Pierre “We’re very pleased with the response,” said coordinator Toussaint (1766-1853) worked as a Bob More. “People seem very grateful that we’re offering hairdresser and bought his freedom these programs.” after he was brought to New York City from Haiti. He supported In addition, over 200 people have joined the Ministry’s numerous Catholic charitable mailing list to receive news of upcoming programs and causes and opened his home to the advocacy opportunities. Some on the list contacted state needy. Born a free woman in Cuba, lawmakers in the fall urging action on various bills for Servant of God Mother Mary police and criminal justice reforms, More explained. Lange (1794-1882) opened a school for Black children in Baltimore and “The Diocese of Arlington Confronts Racism” was held on founded the Oblate Sisters of November 20 with two speakers outlining diocesan efforts. Providence. Venerable Fr. And on January 8, a panel addressed police and criminal Augustus Tolton (1854-1897) was justice reform measures anticipated in Virginia’s legislative the son of an enslaved couple in session in January. “It’s an exciting journey to educate Missouri, and his family escaped to people and increase awareness of these issues and try to Quincy, Illinois, where his vocation take action to remedy them,” More said. to the priesthood was nurtured. American seminaries wouldn’t admit For more information, see the Ministry’s website at him so he studied in Rome and was https://saintjn.org/serving-our-parish-family/racial-justice- ordained the first Black Catholic ministry/. To join the email list, contact priest in the U.S. Freed by Missouri’s [email protected]. Emancipation Act in 1865. Servant of God Julia Greeley (between 1833 and 1848-1918) worked as a servant in homes and helped the Let us pray with St. John Paul II: poor in Denver, sharing a lively devotion to the Sacred Heart and “Lord God, our Father, you created the human being, Blessed Sacrament. To learn more man and woman, in your image and likeness, and you about these holy companions on our willed the diversity of peoples within the unity of the own journey to sainthood, visit human family. At times, however, the equality of your https://www.nbccongress.org/black- sons and daughters has not been acknowledged, and catholic-sainthood.html Christians have been guilty of attitudes of rejection and exclusion, consenting to acts of discrimination on More Black Catholic saints from the basis of racial and ethnic difference. Forgive us across the globe, as well as those and grant us the grace to heal the wounds still present dedicated to serving Black in your community on account of sin, so that we will all communities, are profiled at feel ourselves to be your sons and daughters.” https://www.nbccongress.org/black- Universal Prayer on the Day of Pardon saints-and-martyrs.html
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, a Voice for Justice
In newly elevated Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the Church has a champion of the Gospel of Justice. The nation’s first African American cardinal has a long history of witnessing to the Church’s teachings on racism and other sins against justice.
Since becoming Archbishop of Washington in May 2019, Cardinal Gregory has issued strong statements condemning the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and has expressed support for peaceful protests for racial justice and against police brutality.
At a Mass commemorating the 57th anniversary in August of the 1963 March on Washington, then- Archbishop Gregory launched a multi-faceted initiative, Made in God’s Image: Pray and Work to End the Sin of Racism.
But Cardinal Gregory’s commitment to racial justice goes back much further. In 2018, as Archbishop of Atlanta, he helped draft Open Wide our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love, a pastoral letter produced by the U.S. Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee on Racism.
And in 1984, then-Auxiliary Bishop Gregory of Chicago joined with nine other Black U.S. bishops to issue What We Have Seen and Heard: A Pastoral Letter on Evangelization. The letter noted historic and contemporary racism, which hinders efforts to evangelize and promote vocations among Black Americans.
Cardinal Gregory has been outspoken on other justice issues as well. Since being named an auxiliary bishop of Chicago in 1983, he has spoken out on issues such as the death penalty, social justice, abortion and euthanasia. As president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he guided the bishops’ 2002 response to the clerical sex abuse crisis, the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Just weeks before his installation as cardinal, Cardinal Gregory released a statement calling for church transparency, accountability, and support for survivors of clerical sexual abuse in response to the Vatican’s November 10 report on Theodore McCarrick.
Environmental issues also have topped Cardinal Gregory’s agenda. Hel aunched a survey and plan of action in the Archdiocese of Washington based on similar efforts he led in Atlanta in faithfulness to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si.
Congratulations, Cardinal Gregory, on your elevation! We in the Diocese of Arlington look forward to working with you for many years to come in the service of justice and human dignity. The Work of the Peace and Justice Commission
The Peace and Justice Commission of the Diocese of Arlington exists to assist the Bishop of Arlington in evangelizing and educating members of our local Church about Catholic Social Teaching, to support and serve as a resource for diocesan clergy and laity, and to facilitate the work of peace and justice in the diocese.
Acting at the Bishop’s direction and in service of his pastoral priorities, the Commission sponsors liturgies and spiritual opportunities, conferences and other educational events, provides resources for formation, disseminates information about peace and justice activities in the parishes and the diocese, and encourages advocacy on issues that touch on the life and dignity of the human person.
The Commission is composed of a Chair and five to seven additional members appointed by the Bishop for three-year terms, renewable twice. For a list of the Commission’s current members, visit https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/peace-and-justice-commission-members/.
Let us grow in holiness together!
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