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Jesuit-Affiliated Leaders to Unite for Lenten Blog on Racial Justice

BY ISN STAFFJanuary 27, 2016

This coming Lent, more than twenty writers from throughout the national Jesuit network, including Saint Louis University president Fred Pestello and Boston College theologian M. Shawn Copeland, will unite for racial justice by participating in a daily blog called “Lift Every Voice: A Lenten Journey Toward Racial Justice.”

M. Shawn Copeland, Ph.D., Boston College

Noted theologian M. Shawn Copeland’s research focuses on the theology of the body and the African American Catholic experience.

Hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN), the blog will feature reflections on the daily readings through the lens of racial justice and Ignatian spirituality from February 10 (Ash Wednesday) through March 27 (Easter Sunday). The purpose of the blog is twofold: to lament racial injustice and to reflect on how the Gospel calls Christians to respond.

“We believe that Lent is a timely opportunity to solemnly reflect on America’s original sin of racism through the lens of Ignatian spirituality and the daily liturgical readings,” said ISN executive director Christopher Kerr. “We hope this series prompts more conversations throughout our Jesuit network about how we might work together to make our institutions and communities more just and inclusive, especially in light of the past year’s events.”

The cast of writers for the Lenten series will include Jesuit priests, professors, grassroots activists, university administrators, and authors. “Many of them are known for their work on race and racism,” Kerr said. “Their unique perspectives will challenge us to repent, pray, and act for justice.”

Fred Pestello - Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University president Fred Pestello has been noted for upholding Jesuit values throughout his career, including his commitment to dialogue and inclusion.

Writers include:

  • M. Shawn Copeland, Ph.D., theologian, Boston College
  • Fred Pestello, Ph.D., president, Saint Louis University
  • Terry Mills, Ph.D., assistant provost for diversity and inclusion, John Carroll University
  • Maureen O’Connell, Ph.D., theologian, LaSalle University
  • Brendan Underwood, senior at Saint Louis University High School
  • Fred Kammer, S.J., executive director, Jesuit Social Research Institute at Loyola University New Orleans
  • Kaya Oakes, lecturer at UC Berkeley and author of  “Radical Reinvention” and “The Nones Are Alright”

Individuals can subscribe to receive the daily reflections via e-mail here. They will also be shared via social media on Facebook and Twitter.

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