"How can the church help?" Archdiocese of Milwaukee calls conference for black Catholics

MILWAUKEE -- Calling it an historic meeting, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee called a conference for black Catholics on Sunday, November 8th. The church is answering a direct call from Pope Francis to focus on diversity and inclusiveness.

Faith took priority over football on Sunday, November 8th as black Catholics gathered for a summit. Their goal was to envision what they'd like their church to look like.

"It is only a community that understands suffering that can understand healing," Archbishop Jerome Listecki said.

It was a day to discuss the issues important to the community, like poverty in the city, homelessness and education.

"That`s the question: How can the church help?" Michael Adams said.

Adams was on hand Sunday to lead a discussion on social justice.

"I know that that is a social justice issue for people to receive equal employment and have an opportunity to earn a sustainable wage," Adams said.

He is a member of All Saints Church, located near 26th and Capitol in Milwaukee. The church has a food pantry and a meal program. Now, the question is, with the help of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, can the church do even more?

"I believe works without faith don`t work, so I believe faith is essential," Adams said.

Archbishop Listecki says this is about bringing attention to areas that may be neglected.

"Recognition of this cultural diversity is very important. We`re gonna move the needle. We`re gonna be able to bring a little more comfort to areas that haven`t seen comfort before," Archbishop Listecki said.

Listecki says at the end of the day, what he wants is a strong church, and one that's reflective of all its members, including the tens of thousands of black Catholics in the Milwaukee area.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2015 Black Catholic Summit.