“…the salt of the Earth
…the light of the world.”
(Mt 5: 13-14)

The Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa was founded on the basic principles of Pope John Paul II’s call to action in Ecclesia in Africa and the adoption of the statement A Call to Solidarity with Africa from the bishops of the United States.

“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.”  --United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Call to Solidarity with Africa (2001)

Africa faces the economic and social hurdles of enormous debt, epidemic, severe poverty, and political unrest. In spite 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. The Fund provides grants to finance pastoral projects including outreach programs, schools, evangelization, and education of clergy and lay ministers. Our solidarity is necessary to help the “salt of the Earth” Church in Africa realize its potential as a “light of the world.”
           
THANK YOU to all who have generously contributed to the Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. Your support makes a real difference in the faith lives of the people in Africa. Please continue to pray for our African sisters and brothers.

If you miss your parish collection, donations may also be sent to:
Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa
USCCB-Office of National Collections
3211 4th Street NE
Washington, DC 20017

Promotion resources are always available here.

Please visit www.catholicnews.com to read the full CNS story on their Website, or visit www.vatican.va to read the full document or address.

"Responding to the call of the Church in Africa, as pastors in the United States we recognize the mutual bonds of solidarity that unite us-bonds that have been forged through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We stand in solidarity with the Church and the peoples of Africa, to recognize and support their courageous commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation . As we do this, we are reminded of the words of the Holy Father: "Africa is not destined for death, but for life!" - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, A Call to Solidarity with Africa (2001).

Archbishop Wilton Gregory, then USCCB president, greeting a local
villager during a 2001 visit to Uganda.

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