On March 30, Roundtable members joined three contributors to the book Uncommon Faithfulness: The Black Catholic Experience, including 2010 Symposium keynotes and Rev. Clarence Williams of Catholic Charities USA.

Uncommon Faithfulness began as a conference in 2004 at the Cushwa Center at Notre Dame which was a “deep and wide” gathering of young and seasoned black Catholic scholars. They gathered as black Catholic faithful from across the country to celebrate the fact that there are almost four million black Catholics in the U.S. that have faithfully been a part of the church, even when the church was not faithful to them. Conference presenters then submitted their talks for the publication.

Authors and members discussed the growth of the African-American episcopacy,  pastoral statements on racism, structural racism, the leadership of women religious, social views of resurrection, challenges for urban churches, leadership development of young people and building community during the current economic crisis. Members also asked how Caucasians can better support black Catholics personally and through their ministries.

The discussion was a very meaningful and enlightening one. Our next book discussion will take place this summer. If you have suggestions for an upcoming discussion, please email it to coordinator@catholicroundtable.org.

Tags: african-american, book discussion, diversity, racism, Uncommon Faithfulness

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