WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 23, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops' conference is calling all dioceses in their country to give concrete support to the Church in Africa.
A Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa supports the growing population of Catholics on that continent, supporting needs in all the African countries.
When the appeal began in 2005, nearly 60 U.S. dioceses contributed $822,000. In response to the 2006 appeal, 97 dioceses gave $1,727,000, an increase of 110% in total contributions and a 70% increase in the number of dioceses participating, the bishops' Web site reported.
The bishops reported that in the past 25 years, the number of Catholics in Africa has increased to 144 million from 55 million, and the number of priests has increased by 73%. Still, more than 70% of Africans live on less than $2 per day.
Bishop John Ricard of Pensacola-Tallahassee, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Church in Africa, said: "The vibrant church in Africa today, so rich in spiritual wealth, has enormous material need that calls us as sisters and brothers in the universal church to respond generously with solidarity and love.
"This appeal has become an integral part of helping the flourishing Catholic community in Africa reach its enormous potential."
Code: ZE07042320
Date: 2007-04-23