August 25, 2017

	In This Update:
	U.S. Bishops Establish New Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism September 1st is the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

	U.S. Bishops Establish New Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism
	This week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced the creation of a new committee, the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. The purpose of this body is to address "the sin of racism in our society, and even in our Church" as well as "the urgent need to come together as a society to find solutions." Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of Youngstown, Ohio, has been named chair of the committee. During the announcement on Wednesday, August 23, Bishop Murry said:   "I look forward to working with my brother bishops as well as communities across the United States to listen to the needs of individuals who have suffered under the sin of racism and together find solutions to this epidemic of hate that has plagued our nation for far too long. Through Jesus' example of love and mercy, we are called to be a better people than what we have witnessed over the past weeks and months as a nation. Through listening, prayer and meaningful collaboration, I'm hopeful we can find lasting solutions and common ground where racism will no longer find a place in our hearts or in our society."   Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit and chair of the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors, issued a statement in support of the committee after its announcement:   "Just last month in Detroit, we remembered the 50th anniversary of the 1967 civil disturbance and their ongoing effects. A year ago, at our Mass for Pardon, we acknowledged and prayed for forgiveness for any 'institutional racism' ever perpetrated in and by the Archdiocese of Detroit. Beyond southeast Michigan, recent events have demonstrated that the sin of racism still persists in our nation. I strongly support the creation of a committee by my brother bishops to address this sin -racism - and to work toward bringing the light of the Gospel to dispel this scourge from our society. I encourage my fellow Catholics, and all persons of good will, to join in efforts that uphold the dignity of each person in our society, no matter their race."

	September 1st is the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation
	Over the past several years, Pope Francis has called upon Catholics and members of Orthodox and other Christian communities to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This day of prayer, held annually on September 1, is an opportunity for people of faith to thank God for the world He has entrusted to them, to reaffirm their commitment to be good stewards of creation, and to ask for His help in the protection of creation. To learn more about Catholic Social Teaching on Care for Creation, watch this video created by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services: https://youtu.be/TCcl7DoGRW0. For further information, read Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical on the care of our common home, Laudato Si.   If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to join the Catholic Advocacy Network, which will enable you to receive regular electronic updates and alerts.   For other news and information, click here to follow MCC on Twitter, like MCC on Facebook, follow MCC on Instagram, or visit MCC's webpage.

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