VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
This exhibit is intended to be the start of a conversation and action on addressing issues of race in the Catholic Church here in the Diocese of Green Bay. We hope that you will take the time to discuss with others what you learned today. Below are some suggestions on how you can continue this conversation and take action to ensure that all are welcome in our parishes and schools.
SHARE what you experienced through social media. Use the hashtag #OpenWideOurHearts
START a conversation with one other person – a family member, friend, neighbor, or complete stranger – about your experience.
JOIN a virtual discussion about the exhibit. Contact us if you are interested in such.
INVITE someone else to see the exhibit in person or virtually.
HOST the exhibit at your parish or school if it hasn’t been there already. Options to host as a virtual event are available.To request to host the exhibit, please visit www.gbdioc.org/openwideourhearts.
MAKE it a point to introduce yourself to a person from a different racial/ethnic background the next time you are at Mass or an event. Ask them about themselves and take time to listen to their experience.
TALK to the leader of your parish, school, or organization about steps you can take to make sure it is a place that is welcoming to people of all cultures.
PRAY about the emotions you felt as you went through the exhibit. Ask God to help you to identify one action you can take in response.
READ Open Wide Our Hearts. Or better yet, get a group of people together to read the document and study it. PDF | Study Guide | Resources for Parishes | Resources for Schools
In November 2018, the United States conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism.
This letter was written because, “Despite many promising strides made in our country, racism still infects our nation.” The Open Wide Our Hearts photo exhibit is an attempt to respond to the call of our bishops to take action in response to racism.
“We ask [all people] to fight the evil of racism by educating themselves, reflecting on their personal thoughts and actions, listening to the experience of those who have been affected by racism, and by developing and supporting programs that help repair the damages caused by racial discrimination.”
Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter Against Racism