Press Statement: USCCB and SECAM Joint Statement Calling for Faithful Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2026

USCCB and SECAM Joint Statement Calling for Faithful Action

Washington, DC –  Yesterday, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), with the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), released the joint statement “Brothers and Sisters in Hope: International Assistance and Mutual Solidarity between the Bishops and the Faithful of the United States and Africa.” The statement, centered around Catholic social thought’s key principles, includes a list of values to guide the faithful on how to navigate the current global climate. This statement comes ahead of the “Mass for Solidarity with the Bishops and Faithful of Africa” to be held on February 4th in Washington, DC.

Dr. Steven Nabieu Rogers, Executive Director of the Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN) made the following statement:  

• “AFJN welcomes the joint statement from the USCCB and SECAM, highlighting the importance of solidarity and lifesaving assistance to Africa. We believe that just and equitable US-Africa relations are crucial for Africa’s development and peace. This statement reinforces our commitment to advocating for policies that promote human dignity, justice, and peace in Africa.
  
• “While echoing the call for lifesaving assistance and solidarity with Africa and emphasizing the importance of empowering Africans to be agents of their own destiny, AFJN recognizes the increased hardship imposed on vulnerable populations that these significant reductions of US international assistance is causing.
  
• “As Catholics, as Christians, we are called to support our brothers and sisters and be good stewards of the gifts and resources we have been blessed with, be it financial, technological, or material.  
  
• “We urge the US Administration and Members of Congress to heed this witness of the US and African Bishops’ Conferences and to acknowledge the role of the faithful in tackling injustice in Africa and around the world.
  
• “Critical minerals must be a catalyst for Africa’s development, not a curse. AFJN joins the USCCB and SECAM in urging the US government to support responsible sourcing and equitable partnerships that benefit African communities.”

Read the USCCB press release “U.S. and African Bishops Call for Continuing Solidarity and Lifesaving Assistance to Africa in Joint Statement.” 

Read the USCCB and SECAM joint statement “Brothers and Sisters in Hope: International Assistance and Mutual Solidarity between the Bishops and the Faithful of the United States and Africa.”

February 4th “Mass for Solidarity with the Bishops and Faithful of Africa.”