Bishop Edward Braxton on the Racial Divide in the United States

"Intense media scrutiny of violent encounters between Black Americans and White representatives of law enforcement is re-igniting a national discussion about the complex issue of race relations in the United States today.

"Earlier this year, Bishop Edward K. Braxton of Belleville, Ill., one of just 10 active U.S Catholic bishops who are African-American, released a pastoral letter 'The Racial Divide in the United States: A Reflection for the World Day of Peace 2015' that has generated interest among Catholics across the nation who seek to better understand the issues involved and effectively address them. . . ."

In a recent interview with the National Catholic Register, Bishop Braxton discussed the concerns he raised in that pastoral letter, and offered guidance light on how Catholics can work together to bridge the divide.

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: The Racial Divide in the US Revisited: An Interview with Bishop Edward K. Braxton (18 AUG 15)

To access Bishop Braxton's pastoral letter, please visit:

Diocese of Belleville, IL and click on the pastoral letter on the diocesan home page.