Diocesan program promotes dialogue on racism 

The diocese is offering an in-depth dialogue on racism and cultural sensitivity. The program, Unity in Community: Courageous Conversations, is facilitated by leaders of various ministries in the diocese. 

The goal is to build relationships (cross-cultural and cross-parish), raise awareness, enhance communication, deepen understanding between individuals and groups and develop strategies for action and change in the community. 

The program consists of six sessions, 90 minutes each, and includes an examination of pastoral letters and Church documents advocating for racial justice and reconciliation.
As our community grapples with the sin of racism, we are providing a process to:

• Facilitate small-group deliberation
• Foster forgiveness and healing
• Increase understanding and awareness
• Enhance communication among individuals and groups
• Increase understanding and trust
• Build relationships across barriers
• Develop strategies for action and change in the community

Participating in this program can:

• Help people connect their experience to their beliefs.
• Enable people to see common concerns.
• Foster new relationships and networks.
• Nurture vision and the possibility of change.
• Lead to social or political action.
• Move a community from dialogue to action.
• Provide ongoing support, as needed, from the diocese.

In its most recent pastoral letter against racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts, the Enduring Call to Love,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops invites the Christian community to do justice, love goodness and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). We are reminded that each of us plays a part in building and maintaining Christian unity. 

A “culture of life” requires not only courageous conversations but also a strong commitment to accompany one another on the journey toward equality. It requires us to be imitators of Christ, and to be both hearers and doers of the word.

In baptism, we become a new life in Christ. We are a community of believers where the word of Christ dwells in us (Colossians 3:16). During this time of the Real Presence, Real Future initiative, we celebrate being in communion with Christ and each other. For “if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). 

To schedule this timely and relevant program in your parish and/or school community, contact Pamela Harris, director of the diocesan Office of Ethnic Ministries, at pharris@columbuscatholic.org or (614) 221-7990, option 1.