Catholics Learn Hard Truths in Shannen Dee Williams’ Book on Black Nuns

In August, approximately 150 Catholics gathered weeklyfor a virtual four-part study of Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle, sponsored by FutureChurch. This examination of the pioneering research by Shannen Dee Williams drew both Black Catholics and white Catholics. It also drew members of religious communities.

This intentional, albeit temporary, community of seekers understood that they were being invited to bear witness to a difficult truth about our Catholic history, a truth that had long been submerged and denied. Using the tools of faith — prayer, song, study and witness — the group learned, listened deeply and held themselves accountable as they explored gut-wrenching realities together.