New auxiliary bishop of Washington vows to confront Church's slavery legacy

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop-designate Robert P. Boxie III as a new auxiliary bishop of Washington. The announcement came on 1 May 2023, with his ordination scheduled for 7 July 2023. Boxie has spoken openly about the Church’s role in addressing slavery and racism, calling for healing and reconciliation. Boxie previously served as chaplain at the Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Student Center at Howard University in Washington. His appointment follows Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, in which the Pope apologised for the Church’s historical involvement in slavery.

In a recent statement, Boxie emphasised the Church’s duty to use its moral authority and social teaching to advocate for racial justice. He believes the Church can lead efforts in healing and reconciliation, particularly on issues tied to the legacy of slavery.

The historical weight of slavery in the US remains significant. Juneteenth, celebrated on 19 June, marks the end of slavery in 1865, decades after the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Frederick Douglass highlighted this disparity in his 1852 speech, noting that enslaved people did not share in the freedoms celebrated on Independence Day.

The legacy of slavery also ties directly to institutions like Georgetown University. Its existence is partly linked to the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved individuals by the Maryland Society of Jesus to Louisiana plantation owners. African Americans have long relied on societal empathy and courage to advance racial justice movements. Boxie’s ordination will take place on 7 July 2023. His focus on racial justice aligns with broader calls for accountability and reconciliation. The Church’s acknowledgment of its past and its push for change reflect ongoing efforts to address historical injustices.