The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has teamed up with international partners to pledge their support for the Church in East Africa.
In an official statement released recently, the USCCB disclosed that “despite funding pressures, international Catholic partners reaffirm long-term commitment to Eastern Africa’s Church.”
Global solidarity based on “encounter the mercy of Christ”
The US Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which has “encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy” as its mission, noted that this initiative came on the heels of the recent 21st plenary assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), which was held recently in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.
The USCCB explained that it “joined other international Catholic organizations in reaffirming their commitment to solidarity with the Church in Eastern Africa.”
Bishop John Curtis Iffert of Covington, in a recent address, spoke about the long-standing connection between the USCCB and the Church in Africa.
“As many of you know, the USCCB has had a long relationship with Africa and the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA). One fruit of that commitment is the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, supported by the contributions of American Catholics,” he said.
He told the assembly that even though U.S. government policy changes have cut back international development aid in Eastern Africa, bishops in the United States still push for policies that uphold human dignity.
The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa helps African episcopal conferences and groups like AMECEA train pastoral leaders in areas like catechesis, family ministry, peacebuilding, and other ministries, supporting the growing African church as it lives and shares the Gospel.
Solidarity founded on Ecclesia in Africa
The prelates emphasized that the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa was founded on the basic principles of Saint John Paul II’s call to action in Ecclesia in Africa.
The Fund offers grants to support pastoral projects, such as outreach programs, schools, evangelization efforts, and the education of clergy and lay ministers.
In a statement titled A Call to Solidarity with Africa, released in 2001, the bishops of the United States underlined that “The critical challenges and enormous potential facing Africa today serve as the opportunity for–and test of–our mutual solidarity. Our response to this vocation of solidarity with the Church and peoples of Africa enables us to express love ‘in deed and in truth’ (1 John 3:18), a love that creates no borders and sets no limits to what might be accomplished together in Christ.”
They urged prayers “for our African sisters and brothers,” who are facing “the economic and social hurdles of enormous debt, epidemic, severe poverty, and political unrest.”
The Church in Africa has almost tripled in size
The Bishops noted that, despite the challenges, the continent has seen growth in pastoral work.
“Inspite of these challenges, the Church in Africa has almost tripled in size in the past 30 years. However, it is difficult for the church to sustain its growth and maintain essential pastoral outreach,” they noted.
The Fathers of the Church in America revealed that their solidarity aims to help the “salt of the Earth” Church in Africa achieve its potential as a “light of the world.”
They expressed appreciation “to all who have generously contributed to the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa,” adding, “Your support makes a real difference in the faith lives of the people in Africa.”
Editor’s Note: Illustrative photos are courtesy of National Youth Day – NYD Jos 2026.
