Open Wide Our Hearts: Diocesan Anti-Racism Campaign

 *NEW* Pastoral Letter from Bishop Jaime Soto (May 3, 2021)

Following the publication of Open Wide Our Hearts, the pastoral letter on racism approved in 2018 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Jaime Soto convened an anti-racism working group to assist him with applying the letter to the pastoral work in the Diocese of Sacramento. This letter is in response to the diligent and devout work of this group:

• It is Right and Just: Journeying from Racism to Communion in Christ
• Es Justo y Necesario: Caminemos desde el Racismo a la Comunión en Cristo

Resource for Worship

• The "Lead Me, Guide Me" Hymnal is "GIA's expanded and enhanced Catholic hymnal for the African American church."

Open Wide Our Hearts, USCCB

In November 2018, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a new pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. In the letter, the bishops invite all people of faith to conversion. We are called to open our minds and hearts to Christ’s love for all people and to the experiences of those who have been harmed by the evil of racism.

• Open Wide Our Hearts: Pastoral Letter | Study Guide
• Prayer to Overcome Racism: Text | Video

In response to "Open Wide Our Hearts", the diocesan Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism was formed in April 2019.

 News

Diocese of Sacramento Response to George Floyd's Death

• Bishop Soto Calls for Prayer in Wake of George Floyd Death and Civil Unrest
• Video: California bishops hold a “virtual” Stations of the Cross to draw attention to the sin of racism
• To download Intercessory Prayers, click here

USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

• Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen on Verdict in Trial of Derek Chauvin

Pope Francis

• Video: Pope decries racism and urges peaceful protests in the United States

Diocesan Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism

The Diocesan Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism explores and implements concrete solutions to address the racism that still pervades our society and our Church today, and works in collaborative ways to strengthen the response of all people to this evil. 

For more information about the Anti Racism Task Group, click here.

More Resources

JustFaith Ministries has produced an eight week prayer group titled, Faith & Racial Equity

Catholic Hymnal for the African American Church

Stations of the Cross for Overcoming Racism

For additional resources, visit www.usccb.org/racism