Let the record show ... (Letters).

I wish to express my gratitude for the August special issue featuring African American Catholics. In telling our story--our struggles and triumphs--it is hoped that the history of American Catholicism will be a more balanced account.

Loretta M. Butler
Hyattsville, Md.

Any allegation against a priest is a tragedy--for those making the allegations, for those accused, and for parishioners and others affected--which is why I feel I have to set the record straight.

A sidebar to Michael Wamble's photo story ("St. Augustine's confessions," August) stated that the much-loved pastor, Msgr. Russell Dillard, "was escorted off church grounds by Washington police. TV cameras taped the encounter for the evening news" after allegations from two decades ago were placed against him.

This isn't accurate, and it suggests he was charged by the police. He wasn't. Washington, D.C. has a statute of limitations so the allegations are not being reviewed civilly, although they are being reviewed under long-standing archdiocesan policy. He remains without a ministerial assignment. Msgr. Dillard was escorted by parishioners as he left--one of whom is a local TV reporter who had a camera crew on-site.

Susan Gibbs
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Washington

Thank you for publishing the August issue focusing on black Catholics, the history as well as current trends. I believe there is much we can learn from our African American brothers and sisters and through sharing we can only enhance our faith experience.

Please continue to keep us informed, and challenge us to renounce the racism that still permeates our church.

Kathleen Nolan
Chicago, Ill.

I commend U.S. CATHOLIC on dedicating an entire issue to black Catholics. My parish priest bought an issue for everyone and handed them out to the entire congregation. I was richly blessed by every word in the issue. I read it as if it was a suspense thriller, hanging on every word because there is not much literature out there on us.

I applaud you for your courage, insight, and intelligence. Black American Catholics have a beautiful story of trials and triumphs. Thanks for playing your part in telling it.

Daryl Jones
Houston, Texas