Black Catholic Messenger

08/13/2025

The history of Black Catholics has been that of remarkable perseverance—despite widespread neglect and the harmful closures of African-American parishes.

Dr. Paula Langford writes that Baltimore is one place where both elements have been on display. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/the-endurance-of-black-catholics/

08/12/2025

Venerable Augustus Tolton, the nation's first openly Black Catholic priest, serves as an enduring example of faith and perseverance in the face of abject suffering.

Dr. Ronald E. Smith writes that he can teach us all about how to be a Good Samaritan. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/where-are-all-the-good-samaritans/

08/11/2025

Fr James Coyle, the Catholic priest murdered by a Klansman in 1921 over an in*******al marriage, will be honored at an annual memorial Mass on Monday in Alabama.

Bishop Steven Raica of Birmingham will celebrate the liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/fr-james-coyle-memorial-mass-2025/

08/10/2025

Though many have made "woke" a byword ridiculing the very concept of social justice, its true meaning—rooted in African-American culture—remains salient.

Douglas Stringer writes that the current sociopolitical climate demands vigilance now more than ever. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/stay-woke/

08/08/2025

Justin Farr, one of the nation's African-American Catholic seminarians, will be ordained a priest Saturday in Nashville, the sixth such event for a Black American in 2025.

The young convert is known for his social media presence touting Black Catholicism. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/justin-farr-priesthood-ordination/

08/07/2025

A Black Catholic congressman, Hispanic Caucus chair Adriano Espaillat, was detained this week while trying to access an immigrant detention facility in Brooklyn.

He was joined by Democrat colleagues who were trapped between entry points for 20 minutes. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/black-catholic-congressman-incarcerated/

08/06/2025

Christ the King Catholic Church in Flint, the Diocese of Lansing's African-American parish, fell victim to vandalism on Saturday involving damage to church windows and an arson attempt.

Police reportedly did not respond to an initial 911 call for help. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/christ-the-king-flint-vandalized/

08/05/2025

The power of music to break down barriers is well-known, especially in the complicated history of American social relations.

Alexander Walton writes that the art form is an embodied experience that fosters empathy and neighborly love. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/miriams-tambourine/

08/04/2025

In the grips of White Christian nationalism fueled by Catholics and Protestants alike, the United States stands at a moral breaking point.

Daryl Grigsby writes that the prophetic witness of Black spirituality might be the key to survival. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/black-spirituality-is-what-the-world-needs-now/

08/03/2025

Ethiopian Orthodox Deacon Henok Elias is a clergyman, writer, educator, and podcaster who stakes his spiritual ground in one of Christianity's oldest churches—which happens to be in Africa.

He shares his journey on a new episode of the BCM podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0heNkPcFMI

08/01/2025

Happy Black Business Month and Black Philanthropy Month from Black Catholic Messenger!

Consider a tax-deductible gift to make a difference: https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/donate/

Our summer fundraising campaign is going strong, and we need YOU to stand with us to keep Black Catholic journalism alive.

Can you make a gift today to support our crucial work? https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/2025-summer-campaign-3/

08/01/2025

The intersection of the Catholic Church and slavery was widespread and has become increasingly well-studied, including in the United States.

Dan Gediman and Reckoning, Inc. are helping to bring the insights to the digital landscape—and to Black Americans. https://www.blackcatholicmessenger.org/the-power-of-reckoning/