On November 22-24, 2024, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the University of Dayton will host an academic symposium to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of Fr. Clarence Rivers, the “father of Black Catholic liturgy,” and the 40th anniversary of the Black Bishops of the United States’ pastoral letter, “What We Have Seen and Heard.” In addition to keynote addresses and workshops inspired by Fr. Rivers and “What We Have Seen and Heard,” we will also have opportunities to gather for song and prayer in the traditions of soulful worship called for by Fr. Rivers and “What We Have Seen and Heard.” The symposium will take place Friday and Saturday at Curran Place on the University of Dayton campus, and the weekend’s events will culminate in Sunday Eucharist at 11:00am ET on November 24 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati, with Wilton Cardinal Gregory, the first African American Catholic cardinal, presiding and preaching.

Fr. Rivers’ work in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and beyond tore down walls of racial exclusion and placed the American Church on a path toward acceptance of all its members—a path we continue to walk, often with faltering steps. To honor Rivers’ legacy, to heed the call of “What We Have Seen and Heard” encouraging our pilgrimage toward greater unity, and in the Akan spirit of “sankofa” (learning from the past as we move into the future), the Office of African American Pastoral Ministries, partnering with the University of Dayton, has prepared a series of events to commemorate these important anniversaries in November 2024.

Keynote speakers for the events include Dr. Kim Harris, Bishop Edward K. Braxton, Dr. Joseph Brown, SJ, and Wilton Cardinal Gregory. 

Proposals:

In-person presenters are sought for the Symposium at University of Dayton who will:

• Thoughtfully synthesize our two guiding themes of the event—the impact of “What We Have Seen and Heard” and the life and legacy of Fr. Rivers—from their areas of expertise such as theology, liturgy, music, history, art, literature, catechetics, etc.;

• Engage Symposium participants in active learning and reflection on these themes (workshops or presentations are sought, rather than papers);

• Craft and deliver an in-person presentation offering innovative perspectives and scholarship on these themes, demonstrating their continued relevance;

• Be a present and active participant in all Symposium events (Friday-Sunday morning) as possible. (Funds will be provided for travel; see below.)

Please submit a 300-500 word proposal for an interactive Workshop or Breakout session of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes in length, along with a 100-word biographical statement, via email to Emily Strand emilykcstrand@gmail.com and Dr. Cecilia Moore cmoore1@udayton.edu.

Resources:

Access to Fr. Rivers’ written works can be made available upon request.

Funding:

Those selected for Workshops or Breakout presentations will receive funds for travel, paid accommodations, airport transportation and travel to the Mass in Cincinnati, as well as a modest honorarium.

Key dates:

Deadline for submissions: Monday, July 1, 2024

Notification of selected presenters: by Monday, July 29, 2024

Event dates: Friday, November 22, 2024 through Sunday, November 24, 2024

These events are sponsored by the generous support of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the University of Dayton, and the podcast Meet Father Rivers.

Questions:

Please direct questions to Emily Strand at emilykcstrand@gmail.com or Dr. Cecilia Moore at cmoore1@udayton.edu. 

For more information:

https://catholicaoc.org/offices/african-american-pastoral-ministries