UNITED IN A COMMON STRUGGLE

Rev. Dr. Linda Lucero Nishikawa with Archbishop George Augustus Stallings

Continued from Part 1: Introduction & Part 2: Taking Care of Our Ancestors

The WFWP Bridge Crossing Ceremony that recently took place between a Native American, Rev. Dr. Linda Lucero Nishikawa and an African-American Catholic, Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr., symbolized a heartfelt desire on the part of two persons to represent their respective people as united in a common struggle for recognition and appreciation in a country built on the principle of "liberty and justice for all." In addition, to heal and reconcile centuries of animosity and division perpetrated by Catholics towards Native Americans in the early conquest of America.

During the stirring ceremony, I was visibly and emotionally touched as my beloved Sister, Linda, and I met at the center of the Bridge, bowed in mutual reverence and respect, shared gifts, and embraced one another. In that brief moment, I knew that our simple gesture of love and unity was the beginning of a concerted effort towards strengthening the bonds of fraternal friendship between Native Americans and African-Americans as well as building bridges of reconciliation, healing and understanding between Native Americans and Catholics.