Reverand William G. Sinkford
1946
First African-American president of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Synopsis
Life, Honors, and Legacy
Wilton Daniel Gregory, born on December 7, 1947, is a prominent American prelate in the Catholic Church. He has held various significant positions throughout his career, making notable contributions to the Church and achieving several historic milestones.
Early Life and Career: Wilton D. Gregory’s journey in the Catholic Church began with his ordination as a priest. His dedication and service eventually led him to hold pivotal roles within the Church hierarchy.
Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago (1983-1994): From 1983 to 1994, Gregory served as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois. This role allowed him to engage in pastoral work and develop his leadership skills within the Church.
Bishop of Belleville, Illinois (1994-2004): Gregory’s commitment to his faith and leadership qualities led him to become the bishop of the Diocese of Belleville in Illinois from 1994 to 2004. During his tenure, he made significant strides in promoting the Church’s mission and values.
Archbishop of Atlanta, Georgia (2005-2019): In 2005, Wilton D. Gregory assumed the position of archbishop in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout his fourteen years as archbishop, he played a vital role in fostering the Catholic community’s growth and spiritual development in the region.
Historic Achievements: One of Gregory’s most historic achievements was becoming the first African-American president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He held this esteemed position from 2001 to 2004, during a crucial period for the Church in the United States.
Response to the Sexual Abuse Scandal: During his tenure as president of the USCCB, Gregory was instrumental in the Church’s response to the sexual abuse scandal that had plagued the US Catholic Church. In 2002, the USCCB issued the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” under his leadership, outlining measures to address and prevent abuse.
Elevation to Cardinal: On November 28, 2020, Pope Francis elevated Wilton D. Gregory to the rank of cardinal, a significant honor within the Catholic Church. This historic appointment marked him as the first African-American cardinal, underscoring his groundbreaking contributions to the Church.
Archbishop of Washington (2019-Present): Currently, Wilton D. Gregory serves as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, a position he assumed in 2019. In this role, he continues to provide spiritual guidance and leadership to the Catholic community in the nation’s capital.
Legacy: Wilton D. Gregory’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church, his historic achievements, and his role in addressing critical issues, such as the sexual abuse scandal. As the first African-American cardinal, he remains an inspirational figure and a symbol of diversity and inclusion within the Church, leaving an indelible mark on its history.