SAN DIEGO – The virtual series of forums exploring racism in the Church and recommending ways to root it out continues in the new year.
A forum planned for Wednesday, Jan. 27, will explore the experience of Asian Catholics, a diverse population that includes immigrants from several countries and territories and native-born.
And on Feb. 10, a forum will explore the experience of migrants and refugees.
The forums will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held via Zoom. They will feature remarks from speakers followed by small breakout sessions where participants can share their stories and ideas of how to tackle racism.
These will be the fourth and fifth in a series, called “My Church, My Story,” the diocese has hosted since late summer. They are organized by a committee formed by the diocesan Office for Ethnic and Intercultural Communities.
The committee issued an initial report that includes recommendations for individuals, parishes and the diocese itself to implement to begin to dismantle racism.
“While many people recognize that racism and discrimination are evil, it became apparent that few of us understood the lived experience of all groups that have experienced those evils,” said Jim Moore, a committee leader. “One purpose of the additional programs is to shed light on the experience of all people who have been marginalized, excluded or harmed by racism.”
He said there is much work to be done.
“Until all people feel the respect and dignity of equal treatment by individuals, parishes and the diocese, we will continue this work,” said Moore, co-chair of the pastoral council at Mission San Luis Rey Parish. “The focus of the series may evolve over time, while we strive to achieve the Gospel message to love one another.”
Details about the upcoming forums, videos of past speakers, the initial report, and other resources are available at sdcatholic.org/racism.
