Washington: In a historic joint statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) have called for “renewed fraternity and mutual solidarity” to advance integral human development among communities in Africa and the United States. The appeal emphasizes the Church’s enduring commitment to human dignity, international cooperation, and the moral responsibility to care for the most vulnerable.
Cosigned by Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, First Vice President of SECAM, and Bishop Abdallah Elias Zaidan, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, the statement highlights the importance of deepening ties between the faithful on both continents. The bishops stress that integral human development nurturing the full potential of every person, especially the poorest and most marginalized is central to the mission of evangelization.
Reflecting on the recently concluded 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church, the bishops urged the faithful to recognize the “signs of the times” and discover hope amid global challenges. They voiced concern over the reduction in U.S. international assistance programs while reaffirming trust in Jesus Christ as a source of guidance and hope. The statement underscores the Church’s commitment to humanitarian and development cooperation that respects the dignity, values, and needs of local communities.
The bishops also recalled nearly 25 years of collaboration between the African and U.S. Churches, including the 2001 “Call to Solidarity with Africa” by the U.S. Bishops, emphasizing continuous support for pastoral initiatives, advocacy for justice, peace, and sustainable development. They highlighted SECAM’s newly established 25-year pastoral roadmap, designed to guide the Church’s mission on the African continent toward reconciliation, peace, and integral human development.
As part of the initiative, a Eucharistic celebration for Solidarity with the Bishops and Faithful of Africa is scheduled for February 4 at the Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Bishop David John Malloy of Rockford will serve as the main celebrant, with Bishop Mamza delivering the homily and Bishop Zaidan concelebrating. The event aims to foster prayerful reflection on the challenges facing African communities, including violent conflicts, displacement, and persecution of Christians.
In their statement, the bishops emphasized the shared responsibility of Church and state in both continents to protect human life, defend inherent human dignity, and promote the common good. They stressed that solidarity must be rooted in mutual respect, rejecting paternalism or one-sided visions, and highlighting the contributions of African clergy, theologians, and diaspora communities to the life of the Church in the United States.
“The faithful of the U.S. and Africa are gifts to one another,” the bishops affirmed. They urged robust, life-saving U.S. assistance to Africa, grounded in partnership, and concluded with a prayer for continued fraternity, mutual support, and the flourishing of communities across both continents.
This joint declaration represents a significant reaffirmation of transcontinental solidarity, faith-driven social action, and a call for collaborative engagement to address both humanitarian and spiritual challenges in Africa and the United States.