Diocese of Grand Rapids bishop issues MLK Day statement file photo and last updated 2021-01-18 08:48:27-05 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â Bishop David J. Walkowiak of the Grand Rapids Diocese issued a statement Monday about Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He emphasized the importance of standing up to and speaking out against injustice, hatred and violence directed at anyone. âActs and attitudes of racism are sinful,â Walkowiak said. âThey reveal a failure, a failure to acknowledge the value and dignity of the persons who are subjected to this evil; failure to see in each one of them the brother or sister that Christ calls us to love.â