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.

Internal Committee & External Commission Members

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

Immaculate Conception 100th school anniv Mass

Open Wide Our Hearts

Ending Racism

“Racism can only end if we contend with the policies and institutional barriers that perpetuate and preserve the inequality — economic and social — that we still see all around us. With renewed vigor, we call on members of the Body of Christ to join others in advocating and promoting policies at all levels that will combat racism and its effects in our civic and social institutions.”

~ United States Bishops in Open Wide Our Hearts

Resources

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.

Link to more info

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.