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Who is Kenneth Boller? Catholic pastor delivers ‘racial justice’ prayer for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor

'This is an outrage to every Catholic to hear a Priest during holy mass spewing white privelege nonsense & lies,' said a user

The Sunday mass at St Francis Xavier Church in New York on August 31 unfolded in an unconventional manner as Pastor Kenneth Boller encouraged the participants to renounce their "White privilege" while standing beside the black-and-white portraits of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. The video from the mass has since gone viral as more and more people have come forward to express their views about the pastor requesting the congregants to bow their heads to what’s labeled “racial justice” prayer. 

Who is Kenneth Boller?

Boller serves as the pastor at St Francis Xavier Church in New York. He was born in Queens and entered the Society of Jesus after graduating from high school. He holds a BA from Fordham in Math and Philosophy and M Div degree from Woodstock College, according to St Xavier’s official website. Reportedly, his primary service throughout the years has been in the field of education, where he’s served as a teacher, principal, and president at schools and colleges. Boller has also served as the Pastor of St.Aloysius Church in Harlem New York. 

During his service of years, he has led pastoral ministries, directed the Spiritual Exercises, assisted parishes on the weekends, and ministered at the youth detention center in the Bronx. The website states, “Having grown up in a large extended family, he has been privileged to accompany family members from Baptism and the range of sacraments through funerals, always celebrating life.”

What did he say about White privilege?

According to Blaze, at the end of 11:30 am mass at St Francis Xavier Church, Boller requested the participants to “stand, and joining us in the prayer for racial justice, by responding 'yes' to each of the following statements.” The viral video sees him asking the congregates if they “support racial justice, equity, and compassion in human relations?”

In the following statements, Boller has asked “Do you affirm that white privilege is unfair and harmful to those who have it and to those who do not? Do you affirm that white privilege and the culture of white supremacy must be dismantled where it is present? Do you support racial equity justice and liberation for every person? Do you affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person?"

On answering “yes”, Boller encouraged the participants to remain committed to their promises, saying, “Will you strive to understand more deeply the injustice and suffering white privilege and white supremacy cause? Will you commit to help transform our church culture to one that is actively engaged in seeking racial justice and equity for all, for everyone?”

A few agitated Internet users have noted that he should be "reprimanded" for "spewing white privilege nonsense and lies". One wrote, "Pastor Fr. Kenneth Boller of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in NYC led his congregation in vows addressing “white privilege” and “racial justice” on Sun Aug. 30. The church is supposed to be about God’s love of all people. When the church becomes political we are all lost." 

Another added, "This is an outrage to every Catholic to hear a Priest during holy mass spewing white privelege nonsense & lies. Fr. Kenneth Boller at Saint Xavier in NYC should be reprimanded by @CardinalDolan ! Video was on @TuckerCarlson tonight. Sick of liberal Pro-Biden priests & @USCCB"

Adding to the previous tweets, another wrote, "@CardinalDolan your eminence Al I can say is what Rev. Kenneth Boller, SJ did from the alter this past Sunday was an abomination. I have no other words. It sounded like an Antifa rally."