3 / 8
1
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I
am pleased to present to you this annual report of the
activities of the Subcommittee on the Church in Africa
for the year ending December 31, 2015. This year marks
my rst year as chairman of the subcommittee, and I am honored to
serve in this capacity. I have seen rsthand how rapidly the Church
on the African continent is growing and how much our brothers and
sisters need our support to provide necessary ministries to the faithful.
Young people comprise the largest portion of the African Church.
African Catholics display a joyful, tenacious faith but frequently lack
the resources necessary to provide for basic pastoral needs. Your support
to the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa helps many dioceses
bridge that gap and assist young people in their life with Christ.
During his visit to Kenya in 2015, Pope Francis said to young people,
“Let the great values of Africa’s traditions, the wisdom and truth of
God’s word, and the generous idealism of your youth guide you in
working to shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and
respectful of human dignity.” The generosity of Catholics across the
United States has made it possible to help foster faith and build a more
just society on the African continent.
Thank you for your continued support. As you read this report, know
that it is through your gifts that these programs are possible. Your gifts
make a real and lasting impact for all those who bene t. Thank you for
your generosity. May God continue to bless you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR
Archbishop of Indianapolis
Chairman, USCCB Subcommittee on the Church in Africa