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.

“People have a good heart and want to contribute back to society,” Richards said. “They might not identify with institutional church, but they still believe in humanity.”

Prior to teaching at Boston College, Fr. Jiang worked in Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam for UNESCO, teaching children English and math.