Charitable Irish Society

The Oldest Irish Society in the Americas

Founded in 1737

June 11, 2020

Dear Members of the Charitable Irish Society Community,

       On behalf of the Board of the Charitable Irish Society of Boston, I write today with profound sadness and a feeling of inadequacy in the face of the senseless death of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others over our nation’s history.  As we battle a global pandemic, we know the specific actions we should take to keep ourselves and those around us safe.  However, when violence towards Black Americans continues, what are we called to do? 

       Our mission urges us to treat each other with respect and compassion and to live with integrity.  The Charitable Irish Society of Boston stands in support of each member of our community and beyond and will continue to serve immigrants from around the world, regardless of race.  Our shared faiths call for us to be a people of justice.  

       While many of us do not understand living as a Black person in this country, I do respect and share in the sorrow, fear, and anger that we see.  I ask that we join in examining our lives and actions, to find the ways in which our voices, individually and collectively, can bring about positive, constructive, and peaceful change to our world.

Respectfully,

John D. Warner, Jr.

John D. Warner, Jr.

President, Charitable Irish Society of Boston