[The author explores the intersection of history and theology, focusing on a theological analysis of the American Catholic response to slavery. The article places 19th-century episcopal Catholic teaching and practice on slavery in the context of memory and repentance. Using current papal documents calling for repentance of the Church’s past failings, the article reflects on American Catholic responses to slavery and draws out the religious and moral implications of American episcopal teachings on slavery, with an emphasis on the relationship between inadequate or false teaching and church practice. The topic has implications for studies on the development of moral doctrine.]