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Anti-Racism Initiative

Made in God's Image: Pray and Work the End the Sin of Racism

In light of current events in our country and the need for ongoing work in the fight against racial injustice everywhere, Cardinal Gregory has announced the new Archdiocese of Washington initiative ‘Made in God’s Image: Pray and Work to End the Sin of Racism (CCC 1935).’

This initiative will include a wide range of pastoral activities and outreach including prayer, listening sessions, faith formation opportunities and social justice work.

Please join Cardinal Gregory, our auxiliary bishops, clergy, and staff as we pray and work together to proclaim Christ’s love for all people and work for justice for all.

PRAY | LEARN | ACT

PRAY

Prayer Cards

This family prayer for justice and human dignity, available in several languages, was written by Cardinal Gregory and the auxiliary bishops of the Archdiocese of Washington.

English  |  Spanish  |  French  | Chinese  | Vietnamese  | Portuguese

Liturgies

Mass on the Feast of St. Peter Claver and Day of Prayer and Fasting for Racial Justice

To commemorate the feast day of St. Peter Claver, a missionary saint who advocated for the dignity of enslaved people, the Archdiocese of Washington and Cardinal Wilton Gregory participated in a day of prayer and fasting for racial justice on September 9. This comes after Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, urged a day of prayer and fasting in response to racial and societal unrest in the country.

Cardinal Gregory celebrated a special noon Mass at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in St. Inigoes, Maryland.  Click here to view the replay of the Mass and to download a prayer card with a prayer for justice and human dignity written by Cardinal Gregory and the auxiliary bishops of the archdiocese.

Mass of Peace and Justice in commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington

Cardinal O'Boyle gives the invocation at the 1963 March on Washington

On August 28, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory celebrated a commemorative Mass marking the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech. Click here to view the replay of the Mass, and download the Mass program here.

Prayer and Reflection Resources

An Examen for Racism, a meditation and reflection to help analyze and become aware of participation in the sin of racism.

The Ultimate Sacrifice and Lay Down Your Life, written reflections from Ignatian Solidarity Network on confronting the sin of racism.

LEARN

Events and Webinars on Racism

Published: Jun 6, 2020
Racism in Our Streets and Structures

Public Dialogue on Racism in Our Streets and Structures

On June 5, the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University hosted a Public Dialogue on Racism in Our Streets and Structures: A Test of Faith, A Crisis for Our Nation with Cardinal Gregory.

Published: June 30, 2020
Race in America: The Faith Perspective – A Conversation with Archbishop of Washington Wilton D. Gregory

Cardinal Gregory’s Online Discussion with the American Jewish Committee

On June 30, Cardinal Gregory discussed the role faith can play in overcoming racial injustice during an online discussion with the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Published: August 27, 2020
Introductory Statement from Archbishop Gregory’s discussion with Notre Dame students
Introductory Statement from Cardinal Gregory’s discussion with Notre Dame students

On August 21, Cardinal Gregory participated in a discussion in an anti-racism course with students at Notre Dame University.

Published: October 6, 2020
Town Hall on Police Reform (Archdiocese of Washington)

Town Hall on Police Reform

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, State Delegate Darryl Barnes (D-25), plus William Milam, vice-president of the Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police, and Renee Montel Joy, of the public integrity unit of the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Office participated in a town hall on police reform in Maryland on October 6, 2020.

Published: November 4, 2020
Sr. Thea’s Address to U.S. Bishops

Sister Thea’s presentation to the US Bishops

Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, devoted her life to sharing her rich African American Catholic heritage and spirituality in song, prayer, teaching, and preaching. Watch Sr. Thea’s June 1989 address to the U.S. Catholic Bishops on Black Catholic Spirituality.

Published: January 10, 2021
Methodologies for Engaging with ADW Anti-Racism Resources

ADW Secretariat for Catechesis Webinar on Racism Resources

On November 24, in support of the ADW anti-racism initiative – Made in God’s Image: Work and Pray to End the Sin of Racism – the Secretariat for Catechesis developed a catechetical resource packet for adults, youth, and children.

Published: February 5, 2021
The Today Show with Al Roker – Cardinal Gregory

America’s 1st Black cardinal, Wilton Gregory, opens up about experiences with racism

Published: February 4, 2022
Black History Month talk on “Race and the Catholic Church

In talk to Yale students, Cardinal Gregory says rejecting racism is how to ‘live the way we were intended to live by the Creator’

Published: July 21, 2023
Youth Town Hall Meeting

At Black Catholic Congress Youth Town Hall, Cardinal Gregory and Bishop Steib discuss vocations, community and racism

Published: July 21, 2023
Cardinal Gregory at The National Black Catholic Congress – Keynote Speaker: 

In keynote at National Black Catholic Congress, Cardinal Gregory says Eucharist inspires ‘our prophetic call to love’

VIDEO: Cardinal Gregory’s Keynote Address at The National Black Catholic Congress

Text of Cardinal Gregory’s homily for the opening Mass of the National Black Catholic Congress

Cardinal Wilton Gregory Parish Visits 

St. Francis Xavier, Newtowne, MD

St. Francis Xavier in Newtowne, Southern Md:

Published: December 7, 2022
St. Francis Xavier Parish in Newtowne celebrates 360th anniversary, and cardinal blesses ghost structure at site of first chapel

Sacred Heart Parish in Bowie Md:

Published: February 27, 2023
Cardinal Gregory leads prayer service for enslaved African Americans buried in Sacred Heart Parish’s cemetery in Bowie

Published: February 28, 2023
VIDEO: Blessing of the Unmarked Graves of the Enslaved at Sacred Heart Church in Bowie, MD | Homily

St. Peter Claver in St Inigoes in Southern Md:

Published: November 28, 2023

At St. Peter Claver cemetery, Cardinal Gregory blesses marker honoring unknown enslaved people buried there, connecting parish’s past to its present

Published: November 30, 2023
VIDEO: Blessing of Memorial Plaque Honoring the Enslaved | Cardinal Wilton Gregory

Articles and Blog Posts

2020

Published: May 31, 2020
Statement from Washington Then-Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory regarding the Death of George Floyd

Published: June 4, 2020
As head of National Black Catholic Congress, Bishop Campbell issues statement on the death of George Floyd

Published: June 16, 2020

An anti-racism reading list, from the National Catholic Reporter

Published: May 12, 2020
Then-Archbishop Gregory issues statement on fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia

Published: August 24, 2020
Invocation by Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle for the 1963 March on Washington

As we commemorate 57 years since the historic March on Washington, we look back on these words shared by Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle, who gave the invocation on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the march.

Published: August 25, 2020
Historical insights from the March on Washington

In this article published in the Catholic Standard, on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, a few of those who were present for the historic event share their perspectives on what it was like to be a part of history.

Published: November 30, 2020
Dear White Catholics: It’s time to be anti-racist and leave white fragility behind, from America Magazine

Published: November 30, 2020
Say Their Names, a blog post from the Catholic Standard

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2023

January 2023 MLK Jr. Weekend cemetery cleanup with Sacred Heart parishioners and other Bowie community members including students from The Catholic University of America   

Published: July 21, 2023
At Black Catholic Congress Youth Town Hall, Cardinal Gregory and Bishop Steib discuss vocations, community and racism

Published: July 21, 2023
Cardinal Gregory at The National Black Catholic Congress – Keynote Speaker: 

In keynote at National Black Catholic Congress, Cardinal Gregory says Eucharist inspires ‘our prophetic call to love’

VIDEO: Cardinal Gregory’s Keynote Address at The National Black Catholic Congress

Text of Cardinal Gregory’s homily for the opening Mass of the National Black Catholic Congress

Published: July 22, 2023
The African National Eucharistic Congress:

Eucharist should inspire work for justice, Cardinal Gregory says at Unity Mass for African National Eucharistic Congress

At African National Eucharistic Congress, Cardinal Gregory calls Eucharist ‘an incredible gift’ and ‘path to unity’

Text of Cardinal Gregory’s Keynote Address at The African National Eucharistic Congress

Text of Cardinal Gregory’s Homily at The African National Eucharistic Congress

Text and VIDEO of the Cardinal’s Opening Mass Homily at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in DC:  

Published: July 22, 2023
At National Black Catholic Congress opening Mass, Cardinal Gregory stresses importance of visionaries for building a better world

Published: August 1, 2023
VIDEO: Cardinal Gregory – Opening Mass Homily at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Published: July 23, 2023
Closing Mass with Bishop Roy Campbell at The National Black Catholic Congress: 

At National Black Catholic Congress closing Mass, participants urged to keep flame of faith burning

Published: July 24, 2023
Voices from The National Black Catholic Congress:

Voices from the National Black Catholic Congress

Published: July 25, 2023
Cardinal Gregory regarding the Emmitt Till and Mamie Till Mosley National Monument:

As national monument established honoring Emmett Till and his mother, Cardinal Gregory says it is important to remember their story 

Published: September 4, 2023
Descendants of people enslaved and sold by the Jesuits in 1838 reunite for family reunion in Southern Maryland

Published: September 6, 2023
Part 1: Descendants of ancestors enslaved by Jesuits reconnect with family members and heritage in Southern Maryland gathering

Published: September 9, 2023
Part 2: Descendants retrace lives of ancestors enslaved by Jesuits at site of St. Inigoes plantation in Southern Maryland

Published: October 10, 2023
Jesuits and Georgetown announce $27 million for descendants’ foundation that honors legacy of enslaved ancestors through scholarships and work for racial healing

Published: November 28, 2023
Historic St. Ignatius cemetery has blessing to acknowledge resting places of enslaved persons

VIDEO: Cardinal Wilton Gregory | St. Ignatius Church at Chapel Point, MD | Homily

Published: December 7, 2023
Cardinal Gregory Calls for Culture of Encounter to Break Down Divisions – at The Catholic University of America

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Black Voices Series: Interviews with local Black Catholics

Black Catholic Voices

Celebrate Black History Month by checking out our Black Catholic Voices series produced by the Catholic Standard in collaboration with the Office of Communications and the Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach! In recorded interviews, local Black Catholics reflect on their journey of faith, share their insights on combating racism, and affirm what gives them hope for the future.

Click here to explore the series on the Catholic Standard website.

Click here to download the series flier.

Open Wide Our Hearts

Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love is a pastoral letter from the full body of the bishops of the United States to the lay faithful and all people of goodwill addressing the evil of racism.

cross image with text reading "open wide our hearts"

The pastoral letter asks us to recall that we are all brothers and sisters, all equally made in the image of God. Because we all bear the image of God, racism is above all a moral and theological problem that manifests institutionally and systematically. Only a deep individual conversion of heart, which then multiplies, will compel change and reform in our institutions and society. It is imperative to confront racism’s root causes and the injustice it produces. The love of God binds us together. This same love should overflow into our relationships with all people. The conversions needed to overcome racism require a deep encounter with the living God in the person of Christ who can heal all division.

National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry Resources

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry has developed a variety of resources to address racism and discrimination. Explore the resources here.

USCCB Resources

The USCCB Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism seeks to teach about and witness to the intrinsic dignity of the human person as an antidote to the grave sin of racism. Explore the articles, statements, letters and other resources compiled by the USCCB.

ACT

Resources for ADW Catechists

The Secretariat for Catechesis has developed the following resources:
Pray and Work to End Racism Packet (Spanish) | Youth Against Racism Confirmation (Spanish)

Additional Resources

Knights of Peter Claver Social Justice Resources

Loyola Press – Everyone Belongs Activities

We Are Salt and Light – Questions to Facilitate Encounter

Smithsonian’s “Talking About Race” resource

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For more information, contact the Office of Cultural Diversity and Outreach.