WASHINGTON – “As we mark the 20th anniversary of this tragedy, we remember those who were lost and displaced but also renew our commitment to racial equity and justice in every sector of public life,” said Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on African American Affairs, and Bishop Joseph N. Perry, chairman of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism in a statement marking the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The bishops reflected on the inequities revealed by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, and how the Church has provided a powerful witness and response in the wake of the tragedy. “Over 1,800 people lost their lives and many more suffered traumatic experiences during the aftermath. Today, the impacts of ongoing mental and physical injuries remain and today the cost of the injuries is borne unequally,” said the bishops. “The powerful witness of the Catholic Church filled the gaps of an inadequate governmental response to the tragedy. It was people of faith, moved by their hearts, who assisted in resettlement efforts in new cities, and supported rebuilding when people attempted to return home.”

Two decades later, the Church must continue to accompany the most vulnerable populations who still feel the effects of Hurricane Katrina: “As Church, let us be a lifeboat in the flood waters of injustice.”

The full statement is available here.