Representatives from the U.S. and African bishops’ conferences gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for a congressional hearing focused on religious freedom in Nigeria. The event included a Mass held on February 4 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Yola Diocese in Nigeria concelebrated with Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Bishop David Malloy of Rockford, Illinois.
During his homily, Mamza said, “The Church in the United States and the Church in Africa are not two separate entities. They are two lungs of the same body, breathing the same spirit.” He continued, “When African bishops speak courageously about war, poverty, corruption, or threats to human dignity, their voices echo in American dioceses. When American bishops defend the sanctity of life, advocate for migrants, or confront the culture of individualism, their witness strengthens the Church in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Congo, and beyond.”
Mamza is currently serving as first vice president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), representing English-speaking countries. He told EWTN News English that his visit to Washington coincided with a joint statement released by SECAM and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on February 2. The statement aims to guide efforts to strengthen solidarity between African and U.S. bishops.
“The reason for this statement, in the first place, is not political, it is not economical,” Mamza said. “This statement is as people of the same faith, the same baptism, the same Church as Catholics.” He added: “We know we have a lot of problems in Africa… and we need the support of the U.S. as a Church … It is a broad collaboration that we hope to have that will continue with the USCCB.”
Zaidan commented on celebrating Mass together: “The human side is important in the relationship” between U.S. and Africa but emphasized that “since we are a Church, God is God, and he deserves our best first.” He described Mass as “a sign of unity” for churches worldwide because “God brings us together.” Zaidan added: “Asking for divine providence to the intercession of Blessed Mary of Immaculate Conception… we wanted to place our faith, hope and pledge our love also to Mass as well… This is the reason [for] solidarity Mass.”
Reflecting on scripture during his homily—specifically Mark 6:6—Mamza stated: “Today we proclaim this Gospel in a very particular context: a solidarity Mass uniting bishops of Africa and United States…” He warned against becoming too accustomed to local practices within each church community without recognizing value from other perspectives.
Five bishops attended alongside nine priests at this event including Zaidan; Mamza; Malloy; Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala; and Bishop Jerome Feudjio from Virgin Islands.
Mamza noted differences between U.S. and African Catholic Churches due to history and culture but stressed shared commitment: “We are… co-workers in vineyard of Lord.” He emphasized that solidarity should be based on faith rather than politics or economics.
“At foot of cross stood people from different places… under cross they became one,” he said. “So too under cross bishops United States & Africa called stand together… Solidarity between Catholic bishops United States & African bishops deepens faith mission justice unity within Church…”
The solidarity Mass took place during both International Religious Freedom Summit and Capitol Hill Advocacy Day events which included hearings about global religious freedom issues—with special attention given to Nigeria.
At a February 4 Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback described Nigeria as “the deadliest place to be a Christian.” Brownback criticized recent policy decisions regarding aid distribution to Nigeria while urging stronger measures such as targeted sanctions against violators.
Smith thanked previous administration officials for redesignating Nigeria as a country of particular concern (CPC) but cautioned that ongoing violence persists: “Christians in Middle Belt are still being massacred,” he said while noting denial among Nigerian officials continues.
“More than ever before,” Smith stated,“vigorous U.S leadership & diplomacy needed address religious freedom violations globally & end persecution Christians all other vulnerable religious groups.”
Chris Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson https://www.house.gov/smith. Born in Rahway in 1953 https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000522, Smith lives in Manchester Township today.
