Rector talks to crowd on race riot anniversary
Joe Kohn of the Michigan Catholic
Published July 27, 2007
Detroit — Msgr. Jeffrey Monforton, who this weekend attended a prayer service in Detroit's Virginia Park neighborhood marking the 40th anniversary of Detroit's racial upheaval, was surprised when he learned who was speaking at the event.
He was.
"I simply showed up as an attendee, and I was asked by Pastor Allen Kannapell (an organizer of the event) to share a few words on behalf of the Roman Catholic faith," Msgr. Monforton said in an interview on Monday. "I graciously accepted, though was somewhat surprised."
Given about 15 minutes to compose a few words in his mind, Msgr. Monforton addressed the healthy gathering, who also heard from a number of leaders from other congregations at the event. Msgr. Monforton said his message came from the book of Genesis.
"It's a mandate for each one of us Christians, alone by virtue of our own social teaching, to convey the equality of each individual," he said. "We're all made in God's image and likeness."
He added that, while people with differences of opinion often come halfway on any number of issues, overcoming racial differences takes a wholehearted approach.
"We have to go all the way when it comes to unity," he said. "We have to walk together as fellow pilgrims."
Though most of the Catholic population of southeastern Michigan resides in Detroit's suburbs, the Church still is well-grounded in the city, Msgr. Monforton noted, with 60 parishes, 15 schools, its seminary, cathedral, chancery, the archbishop's residence and its central service offices.
"We are part of the fabric that's woven into Detroit, so to speak," he said.
And just because Catholics make up a small percentage of Detroit's population, he added, doesn't make the Church's mission in the city any less significant.
"We are to serve all people of God," Msgr. Monforton said, "regardless of ethnicity or creed."
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