The USCCB November Assembly did not produce the much anticipated response to the sexual abuse crisis. However, there are links below to significant presentations and to the document on Racism that resulted from this meeting:
- Sr. Teresa Maya (Past President of LCWR & Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word) gave a moving, yet challenging address to the US bishops. She challenged them to “Listen to the heart of our people.”
- Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. since 2016, addressed the Bishops, telling them they need to regain the trust of the faithful.
- “Open Wide Our Hearta: The Enduring Call to Love, A Pastoral Letter Against Racism” – This document merits study and reflection. Quotes:
- Racism still profoundly affects our culture, and it has no place in the christian heart..(Needed) is a genuine conversion of heart, a conversion that will compel change, and the reform of our institutions and society..
- We cannot, therefore, look upon the progress against racism in recent decades and conclude that our current situation meets the standard of justice. In fact, God demands what is right and just.
The entire document has been published on the USCCB website. Comments on the importance of this document from Friends of AUSCP have been published on the AUSCP website.