Financial contributions from American Catholics enable the distribution of religious materials and resources to religious educators in southern Africa, aiding them in spreading their beliefs.
In the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi in Zambia has seen a significant boost in its mission to spread the teachings of the Catholic faith, thanks to the USCCB's Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.
The fund, an annual, voluntary diocesan collection in the U.S. that has been taken up every July and August for over a decade, provided the necessary financial support for a four-week catechetical training program. Led by priests, the workshops aimed to deepen the faith and devotion of lay ministers and improve their ability to explain Catholic teachings.
The diocese trained 223 catechists and prayer leaders, equipping more than 200 individuals to share the Catholic faith. Father Mwengunga, the diocese's monitoring and evaluation officer, shared that the seminars directly supported the diocese's mission of integral evangelization.
The USCCB initiative reflects the priorities outlined in "Ecclesia in Africa," a document that emphasises pastoral needs. Archbishop Thomas R. Zinkula of Dubuque, Iowa, the chairman of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Church in Africa, works in partnership with Catholic Relief Services to avoid duplication of efforts.
Sub-Saharan Africa has experienced a remarkable religious growth in recent years. The region accounted for "most of the increase in Christian numbers, globally," according to statistics. The overall population of the region grew by 31% to 1.1 billion from 2010-2020, with most people (62%) in the region identifying as Christians.
This growth can be attributed to the region's younger demographics and higher fertility rates. In fact, Sub-Saharan Africa has now replaced Europe as the locus for the world's Christians, with Europe experiencing widespread Christian disaffiliation.
The USCCB's Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa was created in response to the USCCB's 2001 statement, "A Call to Solidarity with Africa," which was renewed by the nation's bishops in 2022. In its 2023 annual report, the subcommittee stated it had awarded 75 grants totaling over $2.1 million for pastoral ministry.
In July 2023, the Diocese of Solwezi received just under $16,000 from the Solidarity Fund. The funds enabled the diocese to provide transportation, accommodation, and food for all participants. The seminars were conducted in native languages (Luvale, Lunda, and Kaonde), making the formation accessible to a wider audience.
The Diocese of Mpika in Zambia also benefited from the USCCB Collection Church in Africa, receiving over 15,000 dollars in 2023. The diocese was involved in catechetical training for about 223 lay workers.
Father Mwengunga's message to U.S. Catholics was that their contributions through the Church in Africa Collection supported the diocese's mission. He emphasised the importance of solidarity and unity in the global Catholic Church.
The USCCB's support is making a significant impact in the lives of many in Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and empowering lay ministers to share it with their communities.
