About Us
The Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) is a community of advocates working towards responsible and equitable United States (US) relations with Africa. Rooted in Catholic social teaching, we address systemic injustices perpetuating poverty in Africa. Our advocacy is an extension of missionary witness in the difficult yet important arena of US political decisions that affect African people.
For more than four decades, AFJN has advocated for US economic and political policies that foster equitable Africa-US relations, facilitate an end to armed conflict, establish fair trade and investment, and support sustainable development. AFJN has achieved this through close collaboration with Catholic missionary congregations, Africa-focused coalitions, and diverse stakeholders.
In the US, AFJN engages with lawmakers, government officials, African diplomatic corps, the United States Conference of Bishops, other faith leaders and like-minded organizations to advance our social justice work for and with Africa. In Africa, we partner with African civil societies, the Catholic Church, faith-based organizations, and traditional leaders to amplify African voices and promote accountable governance, women's empowerment, and human rights.
Through advocacy, capacity-building, and partnerships, AFJN informs and empowers communities to take action locally. Our work is supported by a network of missionary communities, individuals, and congregations in the US and Africa, and we rely on membership, grants, and donations to continue our vital work.
Join us in our mission to promote justice, equality, and human dignity for and with Africa.
As a 501(c)3 organization with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), AFJN is committed to transparency and accountability, solidifying our position as a trusted partner with Africa.
AFJN Vision Statement
Empower African nations and peoples to be agents of their own destiny.
AFJN Mission Statement
The Africa Faith and Justice Network, inspired by the Gospel and informed by Catholic Social Teaching, seeks to educate and advocate for just relations with Africa and to work in partnership with African peoples as they engage in the struggle for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
Guiding Principles
Strengthened, Justice-Forward, and Grounded in Accountability
Dignity of the Human Person
We uphold and defend the inherent dignity of every person—especially those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or harmed by unjust systems. All programs and partnerships must actively safeguard human rights, promote well-being, and ensure that affected communities are recognized as protagonists of their own development.
Justice and Peace
We commit to advancing justice and peace by confronting inequities in governance, public policy, and institutional practice. This includes challenging structures that enable corruption, exclusion, or violence, and promoting policies that protect human life, strengthen equitable access, and foster lasting social harmony.
Solidarity and Community
We stand in authentic solidarity with communities affected by injustice—walking with them, listening deeply, and prioritizing the Common Good. Our work is shaped by the lived experiences, culture, and leadership of Africans, honoring their wisdom and ensuring their needs and resourcefulness drive our strategic decisions.
Empowerment and Advocacy
We strengthen the capacity of individuals and communities to claim their rights, influence public policy, and lead transformative change. Advocacy efforts will elevate local voices, support community-based leadership, and foster movements that push institutions—national and global—to act justly.
Accountability and Transparency
We promote rigorous transparency and accountability at every level—within government, civil society, development agencies, and our own operations. All stakeholders must demonstrate clear responsibility to the communities they serve, with mechanisms for feedback, oversight, and redress led by local populations.
Subsidiarity and Shared Leadership
We ensure that decisions are anchored as closely as possible to the people directly impacted. Those affected by injustice must shape priorities, inform strategies, and hold decision-makers—including us—accountable. We commit to shared leadership models that elevate local expertise and respect community autonomy.
By the Numbers
Founding
In 1983, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), the Missionaries of Africa, and the Society of African Missions, founded the AFJN. These three Catholic Missionary congregations, moved to action by their personal experiences in Africa, wanted to transform US policy towards Africa and her people. Their approach was two-fold: to advocate, in faith, in the nation’s Capitol for US relations with Africa that foster justice and peace; and to educate the US public about Africa and her truths. As a Catholic nonprofit organization, AFJN’s purpose is to approach policy from a faith perspective, in a spirit of solidarity and justice, with the people of Africa.
Incorporation
In 1989, AFJN was incorporated in Washington, DC as a Catholic religious non-profit organization under the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) IRS group ruling and continues to remain in good standing under the USCCB and be listed in the Official Catholic Directory.
Get Involved
Take Action
As an organization which strives to bring social justice to U.S.-Africa relations, we rely on people like you to take action to help transform policies made by Congress and the U.S. administration.
Become a Member
Africa Faith and Justice Network derives its strength from those who so generously support our mission to transform U.S. policies toward Africa. Your voice added to ours makes us stronger.
Intern with AFJN
Visit our Internship page to meet our past and present interns, apply for an internship, and find answers to frequently asked questions about an internship with AFJN.
