The AAPC Newsletter, January 2025, Issue 15

A Message from Dr. Chiquita T. Tuttle,

Coordinator, African American Pastoral Center

The Importance of Having African American/Black Deacons Within the Diocese of Oakland:

Walking with the Black Catholic Communities in Spirituality, Culture, and Holiness

Preface

This month, I aim to delve into the significant role of the Deacon within the African American/Black community, exploring how this position functions not only within the church but also within the broader societal context. There are two thought-provoking articles included, which I believe will offer valuable insights into this vital ministry. To deepen our understanding, I invited several key deacons to contribute their perspectives on the topic. Their reflections, which you will find following my article, shed light on the importance of the deacon's role and its transformative impact on our communities. In my contribution, I underscore the critical need for greater involvement of African American and Black men in the diaconate. This is a call to action, emphasizing that the presence and active participation of Black men in the diaconate are essential for strengthening not only the church but also the cultural and spiritual vitality of our communities. The need for this engagement goes beyond mere representation; it is about fostering leadership, mentorship, and service that addresses both the spiritual and social challenges we face.

The Importance of Having African American/Black Deacons Within the Diocese of Oakland: Walking with the Black Catholic Communities in Spirituality, Culture, and Holiness

The Diocese of Oakland, like many dioceses across the United States, is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and spiritual experiences. One of the most vibrant and historically significant groups within this community is the African American and Black Catholic community. For this community, the presence of African American/Black deacons within the diocese is not just a matter of representation; it is vital for fostering a deeper connection to the Catholic faith, promoting cultural understanding, and nurturing a spirituality that is both inclusive and transformative.

Spiritual Leadership Rooted in Culture

The role of a deacon in the Catholic Church is one of service, leadership, and pastoral care. African American/Black deacons in the Diocese of Oakland bring a unique perspective to this vocation. Their lived experiences allow them to connect more deeply with the spiritual and cultural needs of the Black Catholic community. This relationship is especially important for a community that has historically faced marginalization, both within the Church and society at large.

African American/Black deacons can lead the community with empathy, wisdom, and understanding, rooted in their shared experiences. Their cultural awareness provides a space for Black Catholics to feel seen, heard, and valued. These deacons understand the challenges the community faces, from racial inequality to the preservation of cultural identity, and they integrate this understanding into their ministry.

A Bridge Between Communities

In addition to their pastoral care for the Black Catholic community, African American/Black deacons also serve as a bridge between different groups within the Diocese of Oakland. They help foster relationships between the Black community and other cultural and racial groups, promoting unity and understanding within the broader Church. Their ability to bring diverse groups together strengthens the diocesan mission of inclusivity and respect for all cultures.

Having African American/Black deacons is especially important in the Diocese of Oakland, where a significant number of African American Catholics reside, many of whom live in areas with high cultural diversity. Deacons who understand the intersection of race, faith, and social justice can guide parishioners through a deeper exploration of their faith while honoring their unique experiences and cultural contributions.

Walking in Holiness Together

Holiness is at the heart of the diaconal vocation. African American/Black deacons within the Diocese of Oakland provide more than just religious guidance; they model holiness in a way that resonates with their communities. The Black Catholic experience has always been intertwined with resilience, hope, and a profound sense of God's presence in the midst of adversity. Deacons who come from this background are uniquely positioned to inspire holiness by leading with humility, love, and a deep commitment to justice.

Their example of holiness speaks directly to the experiences of Black Catholics, reminding them that their faith is a source of strength and resilience. By offering spiritual direction, prayerful leadership, and community-building, African American/Black deacons help foster a sense of collective holiness, empowering their community members to live out their faith in all aspects of their lives.

Strengthening the Black Catholic Identity

African American/Black deacons play an essential role in helping Black Catholics maintain and strengthen their cultural and spiritual identity within the Church. For many in the Black community, the Catholic faith is deeply intertwined with the history of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and ongoing struggles for social justice. Having Black deacons who understand this history allows the Church to acknowledge and celebrate the richness of African American Catholicism, and to create a space where the voices and stories of Black Catholics are not only heard but are central to the life of the Church.

The deacon’s ministry includes the important work of teaching, baptizing, and witnessing marriages—each a moment of cultural and spiritual affirmation. African American/Black deacons ensure that these moments are celebrated in a way that honors the cultural context of their community. They help foster an environment where the liturgies, music, and rituals resonate with the Black Catholic experience, making the faith more accessible and alive.

Embracing a Holistic Mission

Finally, the presence of African American/Black deacons in the Diocese of Oakland reflects a broader, holistic vision of the Church’s mission. Their work extends beyond the altar, as they engage in social justice initiatives, community outreach, and advocacy for the marginalized. Given the history of African American leadership in the struggle for civil rights, Black deacons bring a unique commitment to social justice that is deeply rooted in their faith. They understand that walking in holiness means advocating for racial equity, standing up for the oppressed, and working toward a society that reflects God’s love for all people.

Their involvement in these causes helps the broader diocese align more closely with the gospel message of justice, love, and liberation. It is not simply about spiritual guidance but about embodying the fullness of Christ’s message through service to the community. Black deacons help the Church reflect more fully the diversity and richness of the body of Christ, affirming the dignity of all people.

The Call to Serve: Why African American Men Should Consider the Deacon Vocation

In the African American community, the role of spiritual leadership has long been a cornerstone of resilience, liberation, and hope. From the days of the Underground Railroad to the Civil Rights Movement, Black men in the church have served as guiding lights for their families and communities. Amidst contemporary challenges—economic inequality, systemic racism, and a crisis of hope—the vocation of the deacon presents an unparalleled opportunity for African American men to step into roles of transformative service, rooted in spirituality and Black theological tradition.

The Spiritual Foundation of the Deacon Vocation

The diaconate, as a ministry of service, finds its origin in the New Testament. Acts 6:1-7 recounts the appointment of the first deacons, chosen to serve the needs of the early Christian community. At its core, the vocation calls for humility, compassion, and dedication to serving others, particularly the marginalized. For African American men, this spiritual foundation resonates deeply with the ethos of the Black church, which has historically emphasized communal care, justice, and the upliftment of the oppressed.

Answering the call to become a deacon is not merely about fulfilling a church role; it is about embodying Christ’s example as a servant leader. This means being a voice for the voiceless, a bridge for the disconnected, and a source of healing for the wounded—roles that are especially crucial in Black communities today.

Theological Insights: Black Liberation Theology and the Deacon’s Role

Black Liberation Theology offers a powerful framework for understanding the importance of the deacon vocation in African American contexts. Rooted in the belief that God is intimately concerned with the liberation of oppressed peoples, this theology calls for active engagement in struggles for justice and equity.

The deacon, as a servant of the church and community, is uniquely positioned to live out these principles. By addressing both spiritual and material needs, African American men in the diaconate can embody the dual focus of Black Liberation Theology: salvation and social justice. Whether it’s organizing food drives, mentoring young men, or advocating for systemic change, deacons can become agents of God’s liberating work in the world.

The Cultural and Community Value of Black Deacons

In many African American communities, the church remains a pillar of cultural identity and collective strength. Yet, these same communities often grapple with a lack of male role models and leaders who can inspire hope and accountability. The presence of African American men in the deaconate can help fill this gap, offering:

Spiritual Leadership: Deacons provide moral guidance and foster a deeper connection to God, grounding their communities in faith amidst adversity.
Mentorship and Advocacy: Young Black men, in particular, benefit from seeing relatable role models who embody integrity, service, and resilience.
Community Building: By addressing tangible needs—from organizing outreach programs to supporting struggling families—deacons strengthen the social fabric of their neighborhoods.
Cultural Continuity: Deacons can preserve and uplift the rich traditions of the Black church, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.

Breaking Barriers and Answering the Call

Despite the importance of the diaconate, many African American men hesitate to explore this vocation due to misconceptions, lack of awareness, or feelings of unworthiness. However, Scripture reminds us that God often calls the unlikely and the imperfect. Moses, David, and the apostles were all flawed individuals whom God used to accomplish extraordinary things.

Conclusion

The presence of African American/Black deacons within the Diocese of Oakland is not just a symbol of representation; it is a necessary expression of the Church’s commitment to spiritual leadership, cultural understanding, and holiness. These deacons play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging, guiding their communities in faith, and enriching the diocese with their unique perspectives. Their leadership strengthens the bond between the Black Catholic community and the larger Church, helping to create a more inclusive, spiritually vibrant, and holy community for all.

The deacon vocation is more than a role within the church; it is a sacred opportunity to bring hope, healing, and justice to a world in need. For African American men, embracing this calling is an act of faith and a testament to the enduring strength of the Black community. By stepping into this ministry of service, they not only honor God but also contribute to the flourishing of their families, churches, and neighborhoods.

In answering the call to become deacons, African American men affirm a timeless truth: that the power of servant leadership can inspire change, uplift communities, and reflect the boundless love of Christ.

The journey toward becoming a deacon begins with openness to God’s call and a willingness to serve. Churches and seminaries can play a critical role in nurturing this vocation by:

Actively inviting African American men to consider the diaconate.
Offering mentorship and resources to guide discernment.
Highlighting the transformative impact deacons have within their communities.

An Invitation:

We invite our African American/Black men to strongly consider the vocation call to diaconal ministry. Upcoming Information meetings are as follows:

Time:

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Sunday January 26, 2025

Location:

Transfiguration Church parish hall, 4000 E. Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley

If married, wives are encouraged to attend.

For additional information contact:

Deacon Timothy Moore

TMoore@oakdiocese.org,

Director of Permanente Deacon Formation

Director of the Permanent Diaconate

Phone: 510-267-8305.

Diocesan Office of Clergy Services

Cielo Barroso-Branco,

510-267-8356

CBranco@oakdiocese.org

Are You Being Called?

A note from Deacon Peter Nixon

Bishop Michael Barber recently announced the calling of a new class of permanent deacons who would begin their formation in early 2025. This would be the 12th class since the first class was ordained in 1978.

Deacons have a threefold ministry of “Word” (e.g. proclaiming the Gospel and preaching); “Sacrament” (e.g. baptizing children and witnessing marriages), and “Charity” (e.g. outreach to the poor and marginalized). The last is particularly important to the identity of the diaconate and deacons often work as both ministers and advocates.

In the Diocese of Oakland, the Black Catholic community played a critical role in the restoration of the permanent diaconate after Vatican II. A conceptual document presented to Bishop Floyd Begin in 1972 noted that “…almost all the inner-city churches which serve predominantly minority communities are staffed by non-minority clergy. The seminaries do not seem capable of producing any significant numbers of minority young men in the foreseeable future. This lack of ordained minority leaders within the Church structure amounts to a real poverty of leadership.”

Nine African American men have been ordained deacons since the order was restored in Oakland, all of whom have had deep roots in the community. Deacon Morris Soublet, for example, was a veteran and a survivor of the 1944 Port Chicago Naval Magazine Explosion. Those survivors successfully led the fight to desegregate the U.S. Navy. Deacon James Barnes served in the US Army as a battlefield medic in the Korean War and was one of the co-founders of the Saint Vincent de Paul Conference at Saint Patrick’s in West Oakland. Both men, along with Deacon John Gilbert, were part of the very first Diocese of Oakland class ordained in 1978.

“The Oakland diaconate stands on the shoulders of these role models from our first class of permanent deacons,” said Deacon Tim Moore, Director of the Diaconate for the Diocese.

Other African American deacons in the diocese who have since gone to the Lord include Gaston Duhe and Leo Edgerly Sr. (both Class of 1982) and Eugene Stelly (Class of 1987). Deacon Edgerly was the father of Fr. Leo Edgerly, Jr., the longtime pastor of Corpus Christi parish in Oakland. Deacon Tom McGowan (Class of 1995) is retired and living outside the diocese.

Until recently, there were two African American deacons still active in Oakland, Dn. Ron Tutson, who was ordained in 2008 and served for many years at Saint Benedict and Dn. Earl Johson, who was ordained in 2003 and continues to serve at Saint Louis Bertrand. With Dn. Ron’s recent retirement, Dn. Earl remains the last actively serving African American deacon in the diocese. Dn. Earl added, “Becoming ordained and sharing the gifts and blessings that God has bestowed on me with others has been one of the great blessings of my life.”

Deacon Earl has had a deep commitment to ministering to the incarcerated. In 1990, before his ordination, Deacon Earl completed a Cursillo weekend in preparation to serve at the Kairos Weekend #1 at Vacaville State prison. Kairos Vacaville weekend #56 was completed in October 2024. In addition to Vacaville and since his Dec. 2003 ordination, Dn. Earl has minister through Kairos at other Ca. State prisons, including Folsom, San Quentin, Salinas Valley and Santa Rosa County Jail.

Deacon Earl would like to see a new generation of African American men consider the diaconate. “If we are going to evangelize and serve our community, we need clergy who understand our history and our culture,” he said. “It’s an incredible experience to serve the Lord in this way.”

There will be an information session for interested men and their wives on January 26th. The session will run from 2-3pm and be held at Church of the Transfiguration in Castro Valley. For more information, contact Deacon Tim Moore at TMoore@oakdiocese.org or 510-267-8305 or visit the Diocese of Oakland web site.

https://www.oakdiocese.org/events/are-you-being-called-diaconate-formation-information-meetings