By Rose Achiego Ande
The Catholic Church in the United States continues to deepen its partnership with the Church in Africa by investing in local leadership, accompanying young people, and strengthening pastoral collaboration; Bishop John Curtis Iffert of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi, Bishop Iffert, who represents the Committee for Solidarity with the Church in Africa of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), described the relationship as one of mutual enrichment rooted in faith, synodality, and shared mission.
Reflecting on the 2001 pastoral letter A Call to Solidarity with Africa, the bishop noted that the relationship between the Churches has matured significantly over the past 25 years. Rather than being a one-way partnership, he said, both continents continue to learn from one another as they respond to the needs of the faithful.
“The Church in the United States benefits immensely from the presence of African priests, religious, and lay faithful who enrich parish life and strengthen our communities,” Bishop Iffert said, adding that the growing participation of African Catholics demonstrates the universality of the Church.
He explained that the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa prioritizes strengthening bishops’ conferences and local Church structures instead of merely financing projects. According to him, building local capacity enables African Churches to respond effectively to their own pastoral realities while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Addressing the challenges facing young people, Bishop Iffert praised the emphasis placed by the AMECEA Plenary Assembly on accompaniment, mentoring, and faith formation. He observed that many young people today struggle with anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the pressures of the digital world, making the Church’s presence in their lives more important than ever.
He encouraged bishops, clergy, religious, and lay leaders to become “weavers of hope” by helping young people discover purpose, trust in God’s providence, and contribute positively to society. Such accompaniment, he said, should include intergenerational mentorship where experienced professionals and Church leaders journey alongside the youth as they discern their future.
The American prelate also emphasized that defending human dignity remains central to the Church’s evangelizing mission. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Pope Leo XIV, he said authentic evangelization requires promoting justice, mercy, and the common good, especially for those experiencing poverty, migration, imprisonment, and other forms of vulnerability.
Commenting on the deliberations of the Plenary Assembly, Bishop Iffert expressed confidence that the bishops’ recommendations would strengthen synodal participation and youth ministry across Eastern Africa. He particularly welcomed proposals aimed at supporting young people through mentorship, professional networking, and pastoral accompaniment, noting that such initiatives can transform lives and renew the Church’s mission.
The bishop also reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to expanding support for the Church in Africa. He revealed that efforts are underway to increase contributions to the Solidarity Fund while continuing to build stronger relationships with African bishops’ conferences through dialogue and mutual listening.
Concluding his visit, Bishop Iffert thanked the bishops of AMECEA for their warm hospitality and expressed hope that the friendships and partnerships established during the Assembly would continue to flourish for generations to come.
The 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly has brought together bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across Eastern Africa to reflect on the Church’s mission of accompanying young people, promoting synodality, and advancing justice and good governance in the region.
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