The Catholic Church and Society of Jesus played a influential role in the origination and continuation of the transatlantic slave trade, according to Rev. Christopher J. Kellerman, S.J. Kellerman discussed the history of the Catholic Church and the Society of Jesus’ involvement in the transatlantic slave trade at an event co-sponsored by the Boston College history department, the Institute for the Liberal Arts, and BC’s interdisciplinary minor in Catholic studies on Feb. 21.

“I didn’t see, during that period of time, a real push for considerations of equality from the Catholic Church,” Copeland said. “And sadly, I still don’t see that today … We don’t have any substantive response from our bishops about the deleterious racial situation we’re living in.”

Baptist researched personal testimonies and economic studies while writing his book.