Black men ponder their place in the
church
By ROBERT McCLORY
Special to the National Catholic Reporter Chicago
An unusual day of reflection held recently here has triggered
ongoing efforts to involve black Catholic men in parish and archdiocesan
leadership and has attracted the interest of dioceses around the country.
The event, held in mid-September at St. James Church on the
citys near South Side, was directed at black male Catholics and drew more
than 200, many of whom made it clear to Cardinal Francis George that they feel
ignored and taken for granted by church decision-makers.
George, who attended most of the day, acknowledged that a
lot of things have to change and told listeners, I hope youll
help me as we go along.
The day of reflection was organized by Ralph Shaw, a permanent
deacon, and Sheila Bourelly, a student at Loyola Universitys Institute
for Pastoral Ministry. This report is written from extensive videotapes and
printed materials from the event. Shaw said the African-American deacons have
been seriously concerned about the sparse involvement of black men in their
parishes and have noted recent recruiting efforts in the black community by the
Promise Keepers.
He and Bourelly had been discussing these problems as they relate
to black spirituality in the Deliverance newsletter they edit, and
it seemed to us the Spirit wasnt coming alive for our men,
wasnt getting integrated into our parish life.
The day featured a Mass, singing and a talk by Fr. George Clements
and one (via video recording) by retired Fr. Rollins Lambert, the first black
priest ordained in Chicago. But perhaps the most remarkable moments occurred
during the candid oral reports from the 28 small discussion groups that met to
consider the image and role of black Catholic men.
The church views us as not bringing that much to the table
or as not having much to offer -- and so [doesnt value] our participation
... as it values other groups, said Jonathan McClure of Holy Angels
Parish. He added, Even though we find a lot of fault with the church as
its presently administered, we all still love the church -- it is our
church -- and though it may not treat us well, we aint going
nowhere.
Money is welcome
Our money is welcome, but not our leadership, not our
input, said Opal-Easter Smith of Holy Name of Mary Parish. Our
black men are not recruited for ministerial roles. It was noted by Smith
and several others that there are presently no blacks in the archdiocesan
seminary system.
Robert Miller of Holy Angels reported that among a variety of
church images presented to the discussion groups for their consideration,
faithful servant seemed the most apt. The powers that be want
us to continue to fit into the servant role, he said, not
questioning, not telling the truth, to be of service to them and not to
God.
Dexter Watson, also of Holy Angels, said, This is just
ludicrous. That there is not a black man in any position in the
church in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1998 is terrible. And I want the
archbishop to know there have to be some changes. There are qualified black men
to lead in this church.
In a diocese in North Carolina, said Watson, the chancellor, the
assistant chancellor and the vicar for priests are all African-Americans. (In
fact, Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Perry is black, as are two women who hold
positions at the archdiocesan level in Chicago: Sr. Anita Baird is
Georges executive assistant, and Sheila Adams represents
African-Americans in the Office for Ethnic Ministries.)
Alleluia for Sister Baird, said Miller, but,
man, where are the brothers?
There is a consensus that the church is not sensitive to the
black man, said Richard Boyd, a permanent deacon from Holy Name of Mary
church. There is no leadership from downtown, no respect. And we want it
to stop! As far as male participation in church structures is concerned,
said Boyd, the image Silent Night seemed very appropriate to his
discussion group.
A written survey conducted during the event revealed that 66
percent of those responding think the church as a whole does not convey
the message that it is truly a multiracial, multicultural church; 79
percent think that black men are overlooked or systematically excluded
from positions in the Catholic church; and 96 percent said the church
does not involve black men in administration and planning that affects
the black community.
Three resolutions were passed unanimously by the assembly:
- That under the leadership of the black deacons, a commission be
formed to establish a black mens ministry in local
parishes.
- That the archdiocese establish a commission to examine its
policies on race, to investigate complaints of racial discrimination and to
make recommendations to the cardinal.
- That the archdiocese develop sensitivity concerning
the images employed in churches and other areas to ensure they reflect the
church as multiracial, that it remove the preponderance of white images
of God, angels and saints still found in many of these areas, and cease
perpetuating the notion of Catholicism as a white-mans
religion.
Unexpected animosity
George said he welcomed the resolutions, though they will
have to be honed a little bit. He told the group he was somewhat
taken aback by the animosity toward downtown. It is not a
transparent organization ... so we have to revise the structure so that it is
more transparent, so people know where decisions are made.
Not that much policy is made down there, he said,
explaining that many important decisions are made at the parish level.
George then challenged the black deacons to form a corps to
come with me into the white parishes [for confirmation and other visits]. ... I
find it peculiar that I celebrate the Eucharist without a deacon as an
assistant ... so I would welcome the assistance of the black deacons when I go
anywhere in this archdiocese. George said he intends to publish a letter,
probably after Easter, with a rather detailed program ... to try to
change racist attitudes in order to change a racist society.
In remarks earlier in the day, Fr. Clements said, The role
of the black man in the Catholic church is to keep the church honest, to speak
the truth about the church. I beg you to never allow yourselves to be silenced.
Tell the truth! Tell it like it is!
In that truth-telling spirit, Clements confided there had never
been a Chicago bishop that I have ever liked. ... Never, never! I have
had those I respect. Ive had those I obey. Ive had those I guess
you could say I kind of love. But I like Francis George. I believe
Francis George identifies with us. ... I believe hes a man you can tell
the truth to.
In the two months since the day of reflection, two meetings have
been held to implement the resolutions, Bourelly said. Bishop Perry is expected
to serve as liaison with George.
Despite minimal news coverage of the event, Shaw said, dioceses in
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Louisiana and elsewhere have indicated interest
in replicating the day in their area. In 1999 the diocese of Jacksonville,
Fla., Shaw said, is planning a large scale gathering of black men from the
entire gulf area.
National Catholic Reporter, December 18,
1998
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