Bishop Espaillat Target of Catholic White Gaze & Racism-Lite

The X post by Jonni Martinez (@iJonniM) criticizing Bishop Joseph Espaillat for using urban ghetto language or vernacular during a Confirmation Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral is a microcosm of a larger cultural and theological debate within the Catholic Church. This debate centers on the tension between preserving traditional liturgical practices and embracing the principles of inculturation as articulated by the Second Vatican Council. The criticism leveled against Bishop Espaillat reveals not only a discomfort with linguistic and cultural diversity but also a subtle form of racial bias that can be termed "racism lite." This analysis will delve deeply into the implications of such criticism, the historical context of inculturation within the Catholic Church, and the broader societal dynamics of cultural gatekeeping and the white gaze. It will argue that the Church's mission as a universal body necessitates the acceptance and integration of diverse cultural expressions, challenging the notion that only Eurocentric forms of Catholicism are legitimate.

 The Criticism and Its Context

Jonni Martinez's post, which quotes a video of Bishop Espaillat speaking in urban vernacular during a Confirmation Mass, expresses bewilderment and disapproval from Caucasians, asking, "What did I just listen to…" This reaction is not isolated but part of a thread where other users, such as Matthew Joseph (@matthew_sede), lament the "pollution" of traditional Catholic spaces by modern, non-traditional elements. The video in question shows Bishop Espaillat, dressed in full liturgical vestments, using phrases like "Come on clock it" and "Y'all better y'all better clock it," which are drawn from urban slang. The setting is St. Patrick's Cathedral, a symbol of traditional Catholicism in the United States, which amplifies the perceived dissonance between the sacred space and the language used.

Bishop Espaillat, as the youngest bishop in the United States and an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, has been appointed precisely because of his ability to connect with inner-city youth. His background, growing up in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City, and his fluency in English, Spanish, and urban vernacular, make him uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the Church and marginalized communities (National Catholic Register, 2024). His approach is rooted in the principle of inculturation, which seeks to adapt the Gospel to different cultural contexts to make it more accessible and relevant. However, the criticism from some quarters suggests that this approach is seen as a departure from the decorum expected in sacred spaces, particularly when those spaces are associated with a predominantly white, European aesthetic.

 The White Gaze and Racism Lite

The reaction to Bishop Espaillat's use of urban vernacular can be understood through the lens of the white gaze, a concept that describes how white cultural norms are often imposed as the standard by which all other cultural expressions are judged. This gaze assumes that whiteness is the default or superior standard, and anything deviating from it is suspect or inferior. In this case, the use of urban vernacular is seen as a degradation of the sacred, rather than a legitimate form of communication that resonates with a specific community.

This attitude aligns with what some scholars have termed "racism lite," a subtle form of racism that does not overtly advocate for racial superiority but nonetheless marginalizes non-white cultures through implicit bias and cultural gatekeeping. The Wikipedia entry on "Catholic Church and race" highlights how, despite official stances against racism, elements within the Church have resisted change, and progress has been slow (Wikipedia, 2025). The entry notes that even when racial inclusion was rhetorically prioritized, many African-American leaders felt their plight was overlooked, suggesting a disconnect between policy and practice. This disconnect is evident in the criticism of Bishop Espaillat, where the focus is not on the content of his message but on the form of its delivery, which is deemed inappropriate because it does not conform to a white, European standard.

 Inculturation and the Universal Church

The Catholic Church's approach to inculturation, as articulated in the Second Vatican Council's documents, particularly "Ad Gentes" and "Gaudium et Spes," advocates for the integration of local cultures into the life of the Church. The International Theological Commission's document on "Faith and Inculturation" (Vatican.va) emphasizes that the Church must engage with diverse cultures to spread the Gospel effectively, recognizing that the Church is not a monolithic entity but a universal (Catholic) body that embraces all peoples.

Historically, the Church has adopted local languages, music, clothing, prayers, and symbols to make Christianity accessible. For example, the use of Latin in the Western Church was itself an act of inculturation, adapting the Greek and Aramaic of the early Christian communities to the Roman Empire's dominant language. Similarly, the incorporation of African rhythms into liturgical music in some regions or the use of indigenous art in Latin American churches are examples of how the Church has historically embraced cultural diversity. The Wikipedia entry on "Inculturation" notes that early practitioners of inculturation include St. Patrick in Ireland and Sts. Cyril and Methodius for the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe, demonstrating a long tradition of adapting the faith to local contexts (Wikipedia, 2025).

Bishop Espaillat's use of urban vernacular can be seen as a continuation of this tradition. By speaking in a language that resonates with inner-city youth, he is not diluting the faith but making it accessible to a community that might otherwise feel alienated. The criticism from some white conservative Catholics, therefore, reveals a tension between a desire to preserve a perceived traditional (often Eurocentric) form of Catholicism and the Church's mission to be truly universal. This tension is not new; it has been a recurring theme throughout the Church's history, particularly in periods of significant cultural change, such as the post-Columbian encounters with the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

 The Danger of Cultural Gatekeeping

The tendency to look down on the culture, nuances, and vernacular of minorities in the inner city, as exemplified by the reactions to Bishop Espaillat, is a form of cultural gatekeeping. This gatekeeping assumes that only certain cultural expressions are legitimate within the Church, thereby excluding those who do not conform to these standards. Such an attitude contradicts the Church's teachings on the dignity of all cultures and the importance of inculturation.

The Wikipedia entry on the Catholic Church notes that the Church operates numerous institutions worldwide, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages, often tailored to local needs and cultures (Wikipedia, 2025). This global presence underscores the Church's commitment to being a universal body, not confined to a single cultural or racial identity. The criticism of Bishop Espaillat, therefore, not only misunderstands the Church's mission but also risks alienating communities that the Church seeks to serve. For example, the use of urban vernacular may be the only way some young people can connect with the Church, and dismissing it as inappropriate could push them further away from the faith.

 Historical Precedents and Theological Foundations

The principle of inculturation is not a modern invention but has deep roots in the Church's history. The early Christian communities adapted their practices to the cultures they encountered, whether it was the use of Greek in the Eastern Mediterranean or Latin in the West. The Council of Trent (1545–1563) marked a turning point in the systematic approach to inculturation, particularly with the Jesuits' missions in Asia and the Americas. The Wikipedia entry on "Inculturation" highlights how figures like Matteo Ricci adapted Catholic teachings to Chinese culture, permitting practices like ancestral veneration, which were seen as cultural rather than religious (Wikipedia, 2025).

The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed and expanded this approach, recognizing the need for the Church to engage with the modern world and its diverse cultures. "Ad Gentes" specifically calls for the Church to "enter into communion with the various civilizations, to their enrichment and the enrichment of the Church herself" (Vatican II, 1965). This communion requires not only tolerance but active engagement with and adaptation to local cultures. Bishop Espaillat's use of urban vernacular is a practical application of this principle, aiming to enrich the Church by making it relevant to a specific cultural context.

 The Role of Language in Evangelization

Language is a critical component of evangelization, as it is the primary medium through which the Gospel is communicated. The Church has a long history of translating the Bible and liturgical texts into local languages, from the Vulgate to the vernacular translations following Vatican II. The use of urban vernacular by Bishop Espaillat is an extension of this practice, recognizing that language is not just a tool for communication but a carrier of culture and identity.

The criticism of his language use, therefore, is not merely about propriety but about power dynamics within the Church. It reflects a discomfort with the idea that non-white, non-European cultural expressions can claim space within sacred settings. This discomfort is part of a broader societal trend where minority cultures are often expected to assimilate to dominant norms rather than being recognized as valid in their own right. The Wikipedia entry on "Catholic Church and race" notes that the Church has historically struggled with these dynamics, with progress often being slow and uneven (Wikipedia, 2025).

 The Universal Mission of the Church

The Catholic Church's mission is to be universal, embracing all cultures and peoples, not to impose a singular, Eurocentric standard. The term "Catholic" itself means universal, and the Church's global presence reflects this reality. The Wikipedia entry on the Catholic Church highlights its operations in over 200 countries, with a membership that spans diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds (Wikipedia, 2025). This diversity is not just a demographic fact but a theological imperative, as the Church seeks to be a sign of unity in a fragmented world.

The criticism of Bishop Espaillat, therefore, challenges the Church to live up to its universal mission. It requires a reckoning with the ways in which cultural gatekeeping and implicit bias can undermine this mission. The Church must continue to affirm the dignity of all cultures and the legitimacy of diverse cultural expressions within its sacred spaces. This affirmation is not about abandoning tradition but about enriching it through the contributions of all peoples.

 Conclusion

The criticism of Bishop Joseph Espaillat for using urban vernacular during a Confirmation Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral is indicative of a broader issue within some segments of the Catholic community, particularly among white conservative Catholics. This criticism reflects a "racism lite" that engages in cultural gatekeeping through a white gaze, devaluing non-white cultural expressions. However, the Catholic Church's teachings on inculturation, as articulated by Vatican II and practiced historically, support Bishop Espaillat's approach as a legitimate and necessary means of spreading the Gospel.

The Church's mission is to be universal, embracing all cultures and peoples, not to impose a singular, Eurocentric standard. The reactions to Bishop Espaillat's actions highlight the ongoing challenge of reconciling traditionalism with the Church's call to be a global, inclusive community. As the Church continues to navigate these tensions, it must remain committed to its mission of inculturation, ensuring that all voices, including those of inner-city youth, are heard and valued within the sacred space. The path forward requires not only theological reflection but also a willingness to confront and dismantle the subtle forms of racism that persist within the Church, ensuring that it truly lives up to its name as the universal (Catholic) Church.

 

What did I just listen to… https://t.co/plJvz89dSG

— Adrian 🇻🇦 (@deusimpera) August 8, 2025

References

1. International Theological Commission. (n.d.). Faith and Inculturation. Vatican.va. Retrieved from [www.vatican.va](http://www.vatican.va).

2. Wikipedia. (2025, July 24). Catholic Church and race. Retrieved from [en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org).

3. Wikipedia. (2025, August 4). Catholic Church. Retrieved from [en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org).

4. Wikipedia. (2025, May 4). Inculturation. Retrieved from [en.wikipedia.org](http://en.wikipedia.org).

5. National Catholic Register. (2024, January 28). Bishop Joseph Espaillat: How America’s Youngest Bishop Reaches Youth. Retrieved from [www.ncregister.com](http://www.ncregister.com).

6. Vatican II. (1965). Ad Gentes. Vatican.va. Retrieved from [www.vatican.va](http://www.vatican.va).