Racial Justice and Equity Committee
“You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you; Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Mi 6:8)
Belonging | Dignity | Justice
With the recent social unrest and increased divisiveness in our society, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne recognized the need to create an advisory group dedicated to racial justice. He formed a new Racial Justice and Cultural Diversity Commission to guide the archdiocese on issues and initiatives concerning the sin of racism and intercultural competency efforts. The vision for this group is
To foster a Church where racism is not accepted.
Priorities
Welcome dialog and encounter
Define and use consistent terminology
Create awareness of the issues facing people today
Educate ourselves and our communities
Accompanying those impacted by racism
Develop toolkit for parishes and schools
Create goals and initiatives to address racism in the Church
Open Wide Our Hearts
Resources
USCCB statement: Recognizing the rich gifts that diverse cultures bring to our communities
December 5, 2025
WASHINGTON – In light of recent statements regarding the Somali community in the United States, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, called on all people to remember each person’s God-given human dignity.
USCCB new Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation
September 10, 2025
WASHINGTON – The Administrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved the transition of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism into a permanent subcommittee of the Conference on September 9. The new Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation will fall under the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, whose mandate includes Catholic social teaching on issues of domestic concern such as poverty, housing, the environment, criminal justice, and other challenges that often have a disproportionate impact on communities of color.
Archdiocese of Seattle Bishops Speak Out Against Hatred
As interconnected brothers and sisters, made in the image and likeness of God, we implore everyone to respect one another, and honor the dignity of every person.
A Call to Address Racism in Our Hearts
The Catholic bishops of the United States recently issued a pastoral letter against racism entitled Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. In this instruction, we call for a conversion of hearts, minds and institutions to address the evils of racism that still exist in our country and communities.
Addressing Racism Resources
This faith formation center provides many tools and resources to help address racism.
Biblical Standards of Behavior to Eradicate Racism
These Biblical Standards of Behavior are meant to help us live out the value of the “Unity of One Body.”
The mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the mission of the Church: to encounter,
accompany, and live the joy of the Gospel. The splendor of God’s truth can be
overlooked in the rapidly changing world of today.
Whether individuals claim the Church as a home, social service agency or a workplace,
there are core values that reflect our mission. These values are not simply to allow us “to get along with others” but means to advance the Kingdom of God, even in the workplace.
As people of God, we want to see with the eyes of Jesus Christ and be the living Body of Christ today. We are called to consider others with love as Jesus looks on each of us and to recognize Jesus in one another. Through these principles, we invite you to reflect upon what it means to act toward others in the image of Jesus. Though not exhaustive, these Biblical Standards of Behavior seek to name concrete ways to see and to treat one another as Jesus commands.
View the Biblical Standards of Behavior to Eradicate Racism HERE!
Contact
Make Gallitelli
Director of Intercultural Integration | Office of the Vicar General
206-573-7211 | make.gallitelli@seattlearch.org
710 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2017