Evaluating the U.S. Catholic Church’s Commitment to Racial Justice: Reflections as We Move into 2026

As the year draws to a close, many institutions take stock of their past efforts and set new objectives moving forward. The U.S. Catholic Church is certainly no exception. Recent years have spotlighted troubling instances, particularly concerning its inadequacy in addressing racism and the broader struggle for equality within Black communities. The Church’s silence and hesitance in tackling these pivotal issues raises serious questions about its commitment to upholding human dignity and serving one of its most historically significant populations.

The Discrepancy Between Proclamation and Action

For countless Black Catholics, the issue is not merely whether the Church has initiated steps to confront racial injustices, but rather whether these responses have been adequate in the face of an entrenched status quo that systematically constrains Black mobility and access to opportunities. The inconsistency between the Church’s teachings on human dignity and its tangible actions—or lack thereof—demands thorough scrutiny.

More recently, the political landscape has added layers of complexity. Following the inauguration of the Trump administration in early 2025, an aggressive assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives became evident. Newly imposed executive actions threatened repercussions, including fines and withholding of federal funding, for institutions failing to comply. Many Catholic schools and universities thus faced a dilemma: abandon their commitment to inclusion or risk harsh consequences.

Institutional Responses: Shifting Priorities?

Institutions like the University of Notre Dame quickly altered their language and frameworks in response to this political shift. Notably, Notre Dame transformed its Office of Institutional Transformation into the Office of Belonging, Engagement, and Mission (BEAM). The rebranding coincided with a change in rhetoric, as the new mission fails to directly address structural inequities and instead emphasizes vague themes of Christian love and compassion.

Similarly, the University of Scranton and Le Moyne College took steps to dilute their previous commitments to diversity. By omitting references to systemic racism and the historical injustices confronting BIPOC communities, these colleges have, in effect, catered to political pressures rather than standing firm on principles of social justice. Such actions raise questions about the true motivation behind the commitment to racial justice—was it about genuine concern or merely about preserving institutional reputation and profitability?

The Silence of the Hierarchy

The shortcomings were not restricted to educational institutions; even the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) demonstrated a troubling tendency towards silence. In 2025, the USCCB removed a powerful essay titled “DEI Means God” by Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr., which directly addressed the Trump administration’s policies as a threat to the dignity of marginalized populations. This decision, allegedly made due to procedural oversights, highlights a broader discomfort within the Church when confronting issues related to racial justice.

During a time when Black Americans faced tangible setbacks—from escalated unemployment rates to increasing poverty among Black children—the bishops chose to remain silent on these pressing matters. Although they found time to condemn the vilification of immigrants and to express concerns about detention centers, their absence of moral clarity on racial injustices signaled a failure to prioritize the myriad crises confronting Black America.

A Call to Action for the Church

The time for mere platitudes regarding justice, human dignity, and racism is over. Church leaders possess both the platform and the responsibility to be the moral conscience of the nation, yet their prophetic voice regarding racism has largely been absent. Moreover, when Black parishioners do not actively engage with their bishops, this inaction risks becoming the status quo.

The current Pope, though broadly addressing issues of migration, has said surprisingly little about racism in America—a notable omission given the historical involvement of pontiffs in global political matters. This inaction suggests a persistent shortcoming within the Church; it is viewed more as an institution distanced from solidarity with Black communities rather than as a proactive agent for social equity.

Building a Path Forward

As we transition into 2026, it becomes essential for Black Catholics to unite and urge their leaders to address the disparities that obstruct genuine community engagement and human flourishing. This advocacy is critical not only for nurturing the Church’s commitment to Catholic social teaching but also for upholding the gospel’s mandate to protect the dignity of every individual entrusted to their spiritual care.

A constructive approach would involve Archbishop Paul Coakley, the newly appointed president of the USCCB, taking the initiative to empower the Subcommittee on African American Affairs. By forging relationships with organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus, the Church can better empathize with and work alongside Black communities. Understanding and responding to the lived realities of Black Americans can crystallize the Church’s role as a moral leader in societal debates.

Moreover, grassroots organizing within Black Catholic communities can break the cycle of unfulfilled promises. Initiatives like parish-level discussions and diocesan synods can foster an environment where clergy not only hear but also respond to the pressing realities faced by Black individuals, particularly those living in urban areas plagued by poverty and violence.

While 2025 may have echoed with words devoid of action and moral resolve, the onus now lies on collective efforts to establish a more profound commitment to racial justice within the Catholic Church. Genuine change will not stem from empty declarations or yielding to political pressures; instead, it requires sustained engagement and an unwavering pursuit of the common good. The path toward redemption is established not merely through words but through actions that resonate deeply with the Catholic tradition of justice and care.