Letter to Archbishop Gomez

November 6, 2021

His Excellency Archbishop José Gomez

Archdiocese of Los Angeles

cc: [REDACTED]

Dear Archbishop Gomez:

As the celebrant prays in the Syro-Malabar Qurbana, the liturgy of my heritage, may the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now, always and forever. Amen.

However, I am writing to you in a spirit of sadness and disappointment.

Your recent speech given on November 4 in Madrid decried the social movements “fully unleashed in our society” that are promoting, among other important messages, the dignity of Black lives and the call to end brutality towards Black lives. Your speech created a false dichotomy between said movements by naming them as a pseudo-religion and pitting them against the Christian faith.

However, the goal of promoting the dignity of Black lives is at the heart of our faith. We are all made in the image of God, and racism is both a sin and a heretical tenet that denies this truth.

Rather than reinforce an ideology of conflict between movements such as Black Lives Matter (“BLM”) and the Catholic Church, it would have been better served to consider where the Church is aligned with BLM and what more the Church could do to promote the dignity of Black lives.

Moreover, your speech in effect messaged to Black Catholics, Black Christians, and Black people as a whole that the Church does not stand with them. Instead Your Excellency, you propagated the talking points that promote and perpetuate white supremacy.

While I was not optimistic about the California Bishops’ initiative on racism, your message made it clear that you have not been taking the time to listen to members of the Black community in terms of their fears, struggles, and experiences of racism — both inside and outside the Church. A deliberate and intentional praxis of listening and accompaniment could have brought transformation and conversion in this regard, and inform you of how the Church has fallen short towards the Black community and how she needs to do better.

I am most saddened, though not surprised, that your message appeared to be in direct conflict with the speech that our Holy Father Pope Francis gave that likened the Good Samaritan to the ones who were protesting the death of George Floyd — the very movement that you named a pseudo-religion.

Your Excellency, the lack of credibility in your message makes Catholicism appear to be the pseudo-religion.

But what you speak of is not congruent with the Gospel, the Catechism, or the writings of the Church Fathers.

Therefore, I urge you to take my words to prayer. May the Spirit lead you with conviction to speak to the Black community with contrition and humility. Learn the experience of Black Catholics and the Black persons who reside in your greater archdiocese. I exhort you even further to meet Patrisse Cullors, one of the three BLM co-foundresses who happens to live in your archdiocese.

Additionally, please take some time reflecting on the reactions from several Black Catholics regarding your speech.

However, if (as I believe) my words go unnoticed or are disregarded, then please make room for someone else to shepherd this archdiocese. We deserve someone who desires to imitate the Heart of Christ, a Heart that is a home for all and is especially close to those who suffer and are broken hearted.

Your words caused tremendous pain. Please do the right thing and address the pain that you caused. If you cannot do this, then it is time to step down. Christ does not need another shepherd who is unwilling to follow in His example.

Sincerely, and angrily,

Matt Kappadakunnel

San Pedro Region