Bishop Boxie says Black Catholics need stronger voice in Catholic Church

Bishop Robert Paul Boxie says Black Catholics require more representation within the Church hierarchy, parish life, and the Church's understanding of holiness. Speaking in an interview with Catholic News Service, the newly appointed auxiliary bishop of Washington noted that racism continues to exist as an undercurrent within the Catholic Church.

Bishop Boxie, who was appointed by Pope Leo XIV, addressed criticisms labeling him a diversity, equity, and inclusion bishop. He dismissed the term as a way to suggest he was selected for his race rather than his qualifications, stating that his education, formation, and ministry should stand on their own. He said he is comfortable if some believe he was selected because he is Black.

The bishop noted that the hierarchy has not always been sufficiently attentive to the concerns of Black Catholics and the wider Black community. Data from the Unite organization shows that while Black Catholics make up 5% of the U.S. Catholic population, only five of the 268 active bishops in the United States are Black. Of those five, two are African American.