When asked about his predecessors speaking about the importance of racial justice, Columbus Catholic Bishop Robert J. Brennan referred to a statement made more than 20 years ago.
Brennan, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus 12th bishop, has been outspoken of late on the topic of racial injustice, especially when it comes to police shootings of Black men. There are community issues that need a moral voice, Brennan said. We want to proclaim the good news, the joy of the gospel. We want to bring that to everyday situations.
Brennan is breaking precedent by releasing public statements on the topic in Columbus, though bishops in other dioceses have long spoken on the issue, as have bishops as a group through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.