In 1854, racial tensions caused disaffected black parishioners to move into their own church building.

He also called for a unity march of black parishioners from Montclair to Paterson on March 3.

Bishop Ricard called the new congregation a "regressive step" and said the Catholic church was trying to meet the needs of black parishioners.

Father Stallings, 41 years old, has said the Catholic church has failed its nearly two million black parishioners, and he has charged the church with racism.

Following acts of overt discrimination (such as black parishioners being forced to leave worship), many black Christians left to form their own churches.

Ramsay set out by welcoming both black and white parishioners into his church, with the aim of converting the slaves to Christianity.

Another part of the exhibition was granite plaques bearing the names of 19th-century black parishioners.

Father Carter's transformations caused something of a sensation, even among black parishioners, but he remained undeterred.

Opponents of the closings, who include both black and white parishioners, picketed Cardinal Szoka's home Friday.

It was beautiful, the Mass and the mix of white old-timers and black and Hispanic present parishioners.