Roman Catholic Church Anti-Racism Initiative
The Bermuda Roman Catholic church is getting set to launch an anti-racism initiative, with “with a series of anti-racism workshops within the various church parishes throughout the island during the month of June.”
A spokesperson said, “The Head of the Roman Catholic Church of Bermuda, Bishop Wesley Spiewak, received a courtesy call on May 22 from Dr. John Leeke, a member of the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. Anti-Racism Steering Committee Initiative commissioned by Cardinal Wuerl, the Head of the Washington D. C. Archdiocese.
“Dr. Leeke is a member of The National Training Laboratory of Baltimore [NTL] and a former associate and consultant of Elsie Y Cross Associates. They are accompanied by Joanne Wohlmuth, Chairperson for the Peace and Social Justice Committee of the Roman Catholic Church of Bermuda.
“This meeting, although by chance, happened at a time that the Bermuda Roman Catholic church is about to launch its own anti-racism initiative, due to start in June, 2018.
Bishop Wesley Spiewak, Joanne Wohlmuth, and Dr. John Leeke:
“The Peace and Social Justice Committee of the church will begin its ambitious agenda with a series of anti-racism workshops within the various church parishes throughout the island during the month of June.
“These will be followed by an evening event in early September, 2018, open to the public. This second event will focus on Bermuda’s past history and systemic racism issues with a focus on Education and Employment, utilizing Bermuda experts to best articulate the issues by using facts and figures and social and historical context.
“The Bermuda Initiative will culminate in November, 2018, with an Anti-Racism Conference for anyone to attend, in particular for the Christian churches and wider Bermuda spiritual community. This event will take place at Mount St. Agnes Academy Auditorium on Friday evening, November 2nd and will feature two international experts in this field.
“Dr. Ed. Olson, a graduate of Loyola University and professor at Maryland University who teaches and writes about science and religion.
“Dr. Olson is no stranger to Bermuda. He was one of the consultants during 1995-97 who led the NTL Diversity Training Initiative in Bermuda through the Bermuda College.
“In addition to Dr. Olson, Dr. Bryan Massingale, senior theological and ethics professor of the Theological Department of Fordham University in New York City, will be the main presenter for the November 2 evening event.
“Dr. Massingale is a Catholic priest who writes and speaks extensively both internationally and throughout the U.S. on this subject of racism, he is the author of Racial Justice and the Catholic Church.
“His focus will be on how do we become true disciples for racial justice, and responsible change agents, for a more just society for the good of all citizens, in particular those who are oppressed?
“This November event is free for all to attend. However a donation box will be made available through Bermuda Tix for those who can and wish to donate to the Cause to help to cut costs.”
