It’s great to have good news to report from New Orleans! St. Augustine Church was re-opened yesterday after a brief battle with the archdiocese that wanted to merge one of New Orleans’s oldest African American churches with neighboring parish St. Peter Claver.

On March 20, young parishioners and supporters locked themselves inside the rectory, while older participants protested the merger outside. In a time of great turmoil and loss, churchgoers said they needed St. Augustine more than ever before.

Adding insult to injury, the newly appointed priest, who is white, wore robes made of African Kente cloth to the re-opening ceremony of St. Augustine. THe church is located in the Treme, the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S., and the priest’s choice of clothing was perceived as an insult.

On March 26, some parishioners staged a protest during Mass, which resulted in the archdiocese's decision to deconsecrate the church. St. Augustine was re-consecrated over the weekend, restoring it as a sacred place where Mass and other Catholic sacraments can be held.

St. Augustine has been re-opened provisionally, they have 18 months to meet benchmarks proving that it is a viable parish. I know they can do it.