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.
Discussions
Keynote Address | Open Wide Our Hearts
Responding to Racism
Masses
Mass with Bishop Burbidge & Cardinal Gregory
Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice
Mass in Recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
A Requiem Prayer Service to Address Racism
Public Messages, Press Releases and Statements from the Diocese of Arlington
- Statement from Bishop Burbidge on Black Catholic History Month
- Statement from Bishop Burbidge on Hispanic Heritage Month
- Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on Juneteenth observance
- Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge for Black History Month
- Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 17, 2022
- Bishop Burbidge responds to the jury verdict in Derek Chauvin trial
- Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s New Advisory Council on Racism Concludes Fall and Winter Meetings, Sets Robust Agenda for Coming Year
- Statement From Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, on National Black Catholic History Month
- Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Establishes New Advisory Council on Racism
- Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, to Host “Racism: Understanding, Conversion, and Action” Forum, In-Person and Virtual Event, Sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington and the Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission
- Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, to Celebrate Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice on Monday, June 8
- Bishop Burbidge’s Homily for the Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice, June 8, 2020
- Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge regarding the death of George Floyd
- Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge on Black History Month 2019
- Statement from Bishop Burbidge regarding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Articles
- New Advisory Council Will Develop Strategic Plan to Address Racism
- Two August Diocesan Events to Address Racism
- Reflection On Racism
- Responding to Racism Means A Conversion of Heart, Says Fr. Scott Woods
- Arlington’s Black Catholics Say Racism Is ‘The Other Virus’
Other News
- Our Sunday Visitor: Arlington Diocese’s New Advisory Council Aims to Help Bishop Confront ‘The Evil of Racism’
- Catholic News Agency: Diocese of Arlington Announces Bishop’s Advisory Council on Racism
- WTOP: Arlington’s Catholic Lead Asks Advisory Panel For ‘Action Plan’ to Address Racism
- WATCH Local DMV: The Catholic Diocese of Arlington Establishes Advisory Council to Address Issues of Racism
Members of the Advisory Council
Deacon Albert “Al” A. Anderson, Jr
St. Joseph, Alexandria
Deacon Gerard-Marie Anthony
St. Timothy’s, Chantilly
Deacon Ping Averia
St. Leo, Fairfax
Joseph A. Brooks, Jr.
St. Joseph, Alexandria
Monsignor Bob Cilinski
Liaison to the Bishop | Nativity, Burke
Gerard (Jerry) Cousin
Holy Trinity, Gainesville
Moon Kim
St. Paul Chung, Fairfax
Melissa Rihl
St. Leo the Great, Fairfax
Lisbeth Valladares
All Saints, Manassas
Father Cedric Wilson
Nativity, Burke
