Diocese of oakland task force for racial justice

PURPOSE OF THE TASK FORCE
The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J., Bishop of Oakland, has established the Diocese of Oakland Task Force for Racial Justice, which he has charged with examining the many ways the sin of racism afflicts the People of God in the Diocese. The group will be led by Fr. Leo Edgerly, Jr., Pastor at Corpus Christi Piedmont.

After prayer, study, interviews and discussion, the Task Force will offer recommendations to Bishop Barber outlining tangible steps that will help address the scourge of racism. This group will also discuss the feasibility of reestablishing the Black Pastoral Center, and the engagement of the community in activities, spiritual and corporal, to help combat racism.  ​​
"I believe to eradicate racism requires a conversion of each person’s mind and heart, which means we must start from our belief in a God who loves each one of us, indiscriminately and irrevocably."  
- Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ
LATEST NEWS
March 29, 2021
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​Bishop Barber's Statement on Violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ
Task Force for Racial Justice
Diocese of Oakland
March 29, 2021

As stated in Brothers and Sisters to Us, issued by the U.S. Catholic bishops in 1979, “Racism is not merely one sin among many; it is a radical evil that divides the human family and denies the new creation of a redeemed world. To struggle against it demands an equally radical transformation, in our own minds and hearts as well as in the structure of our society.”

The racially motivated violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has reinforced the critical and moral imperative to stop the hate and end racism. Recent events in our Oakland community, throughout the Bay Area and across the country, and the caustic rhetoric that marks conversations around responsibility for the pandemic provide ample evidence there is still much work to do. As Christians, we are constantly called to examine our hearts and consciences and assist in removing racial divisions, intolerance, and discrimination.

As we stand with our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters, we denounce all forms of hate, racism, and discrimination. Let us see them as they are, and as we are: Children of God, each created intentionally by God in his own divine image. Every person is sacred and equally valuable. Every form of racism, by definition, is to be rejected, knowing that love for all and a diverse and cohesive society makes us better and is what our faith calls us to build.

“God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34).”

“After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches* in their hands (Rev. 7:9).”
January 17, 2021

The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J., Bishop of Oakland, and the Diocese of Oakland Task Force for Racial Justice

As stated by the Executive Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2017:

Racism has rightly been called America's original sin. It remains a blot on our national life and continues to cause acts and attitudes of hatred, as recent events have made evident. The need to condemn, and combat, the demonic ideologies of white supremacy, neo-Nazism and racism has become especially urgent at this time. Our efforts must be constantly led and accompanied by prayer - but they must also include concrete action. 

The killings of African American women and men over the past year have reinforced the need for all Americans to combat systematic oppression and racism.  Voices raised as part of the Black Lives Matter  discussions remind us that African Americans and other People of Color continue to be blighted by structural racism, lack of opportunity, health and wealth disparities, and direct violence committed by those who are responsible for our communities' wellbeing.  We include sacred, secular, public and private structures.

The Diocese of Oakland acknowledges and recognizes that more must be done within this Diocese to address and end these inequities. Grounded by our belief in God and our knowledge that each of us was created by God and is loved by God, the Diocese of Oakland is committed to being a significant change agent in the fight for racial and social justice. While we strive to ensure that all people of color are granted the equal rights and privileges as our white sisters and brothers, given the long and specific history of oppression of African Americans in this country and within this Diocese, we begin this renewed commitment with an initial focus on the collective negative experiences of our African American sisters and brothers.       

We further recognize and understand that racial and social justice is complex and requires work. In the coming months, the Task Force will advise and assist Bishop Barber in the following areas:

  • Education
  • Pastoral Care
  • Social Justice

“When we begin to separate people in our thoughts for unjust reasons, when we start to see some  people as “them” and others as “us”, we fail to love.   Yet love is at the heart of Christian life.

“Racism is a moral problem that requires a moral remedy --  A Transformation of the Human Heart—that impels us to act”  (source:  Open Wide Our Hearts. 20)

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