Racism, Reconciliation and Faith with Fr. Larry Dowling
Episode Summary:
Sr. Brenda welcomes Father Larry Dowling, a priest whose ministry has focus on healing and reconciliation in communities wounded by scandal and racial injustice. Reflecting on his years of service, particularly in African American parishes, Fr. Larry speaks about the importance of honesty, trust-building, and listening in restoring faith and community.
Drawing from his personal journey and spiritual insights, he shares the inspiration behind his soon to be published book, Unrequited Love, which confronts the painful realities of racism while pointing toward healing, unity and justice.
About Fr. Larry Dowling (click to expand)
Fr. Larry Dowling was ordained in 1991 and retired in June 2024 after 18 years as pastor of St. Simon of Cyrene Parish, a predominantly African American parish on Chicago’s West Side with worship communities at St. Agatha and St. Martin de Porres. He previously served as pastor of St. Denis Parish and associate pastor at St. James in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Fr. Larry is deeply committed to healing and restorative justice, particularly for communities impacted by systemic racism and trauma. He helped establish the Encompassing Center, a free mental health clinic serving Chicago’s West Side, and served on the steering committee that created Cook County’s first Restorative Justice Community Court. A founding member of the Archdiocesan Healing Garden Committee for survivors of clergy abuse, he has also held leadership roles with numerous organizations advancing immigrant justice, labor rights, theological education, and community empowerment.
A trained restorative justice practitioner, Fr. Larry is a writer, speaker, avid reader, and hiker.
Love & Speak the Truth podcast is made possible by the Congregation of Jesus, US Region
Executive Producers: Megan Beutel and Jennifer Schmitz
Sound Track: Laurenti Wright on keyboard
Music Composition of Women Bearing Witness: Maria Bierer, IBVM
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