Archdiocesan Committee for Racial Equality and

The Archdiocesan Committee for Racial Equality and Justice (ACREJ) hosted a pre-recorded seminar against racism. The event took place on Tuesday, June 14.

Webinar Against Racism

In a report with The Denver Catholic, the event featured a prayer by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, who joined the organizers in prayer.

The webinar also had testimonies from three committee members who experienced racism in their lives. Danielle Brown, Esq. also gave her remarks.

Brown is the Associate Director of the Ad Hoc. Committee on Racism for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

No Place in Gospel Messages or Society

Archbishop Aquila expressed his sentiments against racism. He stressed that such hate had no place in the Gospel message or society.

The archbishop also pointed out the importance of knowing the historical experience of each group that has fallen victim to racism.

He explained that such knowledge was vital if one wanted to show love to those who experience racism.

He lamented how many still suffer from racism and how they still struggle in society because of it. Archbishop Aquila encouraged Catholics to examine their hearts and actions when dealing with racism.

Sin of Racism

Kateri Joda Williams invited everyone to view the webinar. Williams is the director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry.

She explained that the goal of the live stream was to create a forum for learning and understanding. She added that they wanted to include the personal narratives of those who were affected by "the sin of racism."

Williams said the webinar was open to anyone. She also invited those who did not experience racism to join.

The director pointed out that it was a good learning opportunity to hear fellow Catholics share their perspectives.

She added that people would learn from listening to "lived experiences based on their race or ethnicity."

Brothers, Sisters in faith

In a report with Catholic News Agency, Archbishop Aquila denounced the incidents of "anti-Semitic and hateful vandalism." He addressed two separate occurrences of vandalism in two schools in 2021.

The archbishop said that he condemned both incidents, saying these hate crimes have no place in a civil society. He added that the church stood in solidarity with their Jewish brothers and sisters.

Denver's Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and a Catholic church also fell victim to vandalism.

Vandals defaced the cathedral doors with the words "Satan lives here" on Oct. 10, 2021. The church of Sacred Heart of Mary in Boulder was vandalized in with pro-abortion slogans.

Archbishop Aquila thanked the Jewish Community Relations Council for speaking out against the acts of vandalism. He said that he was thankful to them for offering their support.

He pointed out that they were all brothers and sisters in the faith. The archbishop added that they all shared common bonds to be able to worship without fear of attacks.

Aquila added that there was a "divided and pluralistic society." He stressed that committing acts of violence and hate "is never the answer to our differences."

He prayed that God would put an end to these hate crimes and all forms of hate against any race or religion.