Social Justice

USCMA is focusing on the theme of reconciliation this year. One way the Church can begin to address the wounds of racism in our country – and others – is through reconciliation. Reconciliation requires a missionary perspective, a patient and expansive spirituality, simple and liberating strategies, distinctive ministerial skills, and a community of missionaries who can accompany one another, learn from each other, and collaborate to bring the reconciling power of the Gospel to those oppressed by “unspeakable violence, unbearable pain and indelible scars on [their] memory.”

On May 14, 2019 we co-sponsored a webinar titled Open Wide Our Hearts – Empowering Church Leaders to Address Racism. It was well-attended (over 600 people registered, 300 attended, and more than 700 have seen the webinar). If you did not attend, and would like to see the webinar, you can still access it. Just CLICK HERE and it will take you to the complete recording of the webinar.
 
There were many follow-up questions that we just could not get to. Consequently, we are having a second webinar on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 2 pm EDT to continue the conversation. Free, but registration is required. RSVP: ow.ly/AjJn50uSNOH

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The Bishops issued a new pastoral letter on racism (November 2018). 
USCMA, Catholic Mobilizing Network and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry sponsored a webinar on May 14, 2019 on the pastoral letter: what does it say, how can we implement it, and what are next steps. The webinar was recorded. To access the webinar, CLICK HERE.

Panelists were:

• Donna Grimes, USCCB, Assistant Director of African American Affairs
• Darius Villalobos, NFCYM, Director of Multicultural Ministry
• Dr. Don McCrabb, USCMA, Executive Director
• Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, Catholic Mobilizing Network, Executive Director
• Michael Theisen, NFCYM, Director of Ministry Formation 

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Understanding Racism, is a unique online approach to this emotional and complex issue through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. This resource provides a safe, prayerful and thought-provoking interactive learning experience to guide a community in productive, action-oriented discussions. Essential concepts in Open Wide Our Hearts - the bishops pastoral letter on racism - are woven through every lesson.
Read more on Racism and Mission page.

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