AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Assembly of Bishops concluded: racism among the most debated topics

Washington (Agenzia Fides) - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved three action items at their 2020 Fall General Assembly that met November 16-17 in a virtual format for the first time in the history of the Church in this country (see Fides, 17/11/2020). The Bishops approved the Revised Strategic Priorities for the 2021-24 USCCB Strategic Plan, "Created Anew by the Body and Blood of Christ: Source of Our Healing and Hope".
The Bishops also voted to approve the renewal of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism that focuses on addressing the sin of racism. The committee was established in August 2017, upon the unanimous recommendation of the USCCB’s Executive Committee and in consultation with members of the USCCB's Committee on Priorities and Plans. The bishops also accepted the recommendations of the Committee on Budget and Finance for approval of the 2021 Proposed Budgets.
During these "two days" of the assembly, there were several interventions that were inspired by the seriousness and importance of the events that are taking place. Some Bishops spoke about racial injustice after protests and violence that occurred after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by the police in May.
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore was among many who described the listening sessions organized by the Church for community members in order to share their experiences with racism and their views on how to reduce it. "These conversations can be difficult, painful", said Mgr. Lori. "Many people do not think they need these conversations because they do not consider themselves racist. The reality is very different". Among the numerous initiatives linked to the theme, Mgr. Lori announced that his archdiocese is building a new Catholic K-8 school in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Baltimore. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 19/11/2020)

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