Letter
Letter from Chairman of the Newly Established Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation, November 20, 2025
November 20, 2025
Greetings in the Lord! I am honored and deeply grateful to accept the appointment as the inaugural Chairman of the newly established Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation. This responsibility is one I approach with humility and a profound sense of purpose.
Some may wonder, “Why me?” I would like to take this opportunity to share a bit about myself and why this work is so important to me.
Growing up in a small town in Central Texas, my parents instilled in me—through both word and example—the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. My community was richly diverse, with families of African American, German, Czech, and Latino heritage. We learned, played, worshiped, and attended school together. Yet, as I grew older, I began to witness the painful reality of how people viewed and treated one another differently.
As a child in Catholic school, I encountered the sin and pain of racism firsthand—an experience that I have never been able to erase because it was so disturbing. Over time, I observed moments when prejudice and discrimination were tolerated, not only in society but also within the Church. Learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired me deeply; his courage to speak for those on the margins affirmed my conviction that we can and must strive to be better. As Dr. King states, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
I will not pretend to know what all the answers are to the injustices and problems in our society and Church regarding the consequences of racism, but I do believe that we are called to be more like Christ each and every day, and to recognize his image in all people. It is my hope that as chair of this new subcommittee, I can help draw our attention as to what still needs to be done to heal the pain caused by the sin of racism that still exists today. Reconciliation is still needed for those who are victims of racism, but also for those who have indirectly or directly hurt others.
Thank you for entrusting me with this important mission. I look forward to working together to promote justice, healing, and unity within our Church and society.
In Christ,
Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia
Chairman, Subcommittee for the Promotion of Racial Justice and Reconciliation