Advisory Council on Racism

Bishop Burbidge announced the decision to form an Advisory Council on Racism at the Requiem for the Black Children of God, a prayer service held in early August, to be comprised of Black Catholic leaders, including clergy, lay men and lay women. Candidates were considered after receiving recommendations from pastors, The Office of Multicultural Ministries, and other ministry leaders.

The goal is to find a council that represents our Diocese, to reflect a diversity of voices and experiences, who can work together to address racism in our time and place with the Gospel message as their guide. The council will work to assemble a strategic plan that determines where racism, prejudice and bias impact the lives of our brothers and sisters of color in our parishes, schools, and ministries, and achievable ways we can address these issues. The appointments will be for three years, meeting at least 4 times a year.

Chair of the Advisory Council on Racism: Christian Bentley of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alexandria, VA