Dear Editor: Thank you, Bishop DiMarzio for the listening session at Holy Family parish (“Listening Session Addresses ‘Original Sin of America,’” The Tablet, Dec. 15). It was great to discuss such an important issue that still permeates our Church. It was truly great to see that there were so many other people, not just in my parish, but many other parishes who also shared the same concerns as well.

Whether we want to admit it or not, there is still a slight element of racism in our midst. The only way to eradicate it is to confront it. This session allowed us to do so. This is another reason why I love my fellow parishioners at Holy Family in Flushing. From the very first day I joined my parish in 2000, I felt right at home.

As an African-American man, I immediately felt accepted as part of a larger family since day one. My new family not only talks the talk when it comes to Scripture, but they also walk the walk as well. It is my hope that we will be able to overcome an evil that was never wanted or welcomed in the first place.

Thank you once again and thank you to my fellow participants for being there.

MAURICE B. BERNIER

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