Religious Leaders Unite in Washington for Solidarity with Africa

Bishops from the U.S. and Africa hold Mass and advocacy events to address religious freedom concerns in Nigeria

Feb. 5, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Representatives from the U.S. and African bishops' conferences convened in Washington, D.C., during a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill this week in a display of solidarity as religious freedom in Nigeria continues to come into sharper focus. Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of the Yola Diocese in northeast Nigeria concelebrated a Mass on Feb. 4 for solidarity between the bishops and faithful of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and Africa alongside other bishops.

Why it matters

The solidarity Mass and advocacy events highlight the strong ties between the Catholic Church in the U.S. and Africa, as they work together to address religious freedom violations, particularly the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The events also come amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria's human rights record and calls for the U.S. government to take stronger action.

The details

The Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and included five bishops as well as nine priests. During the homily, Bishop Mamza emphasized the need for the U.S. and African churches to stand in solidarity, noting that '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.' The Mass was held in conjunction with the International Religious Freedom Summit and a congressional hearing on religious freedom violations globally, with a focus on Nigeria.

  • The Mass for solidarity took place on February 4, 2026.
  • The International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C. was held this week.
  • The congressional hearing on religious freedom, with a focus on Nigeria, occurred on February 4, 2026.

The players

Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza

Bishop of the Yola Diocese in northeast Nigeria and the first vice president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) representing the English-speaking countries.

Bishop A. Elias Zaidan

Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace.

Bishop David Malloy

Bishop of Rockford, Illinois, who was the main celebrant of the solidarity Mass.

Rep. Chris Smith

U.S. Representative from New Jersey who chaired the congressional hearing on religious freedom.

Sam Brownback

Former Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, who testified at the congressional hearing.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, Bishop of the Yola Diocese in northeast Nigeria

“Asking for divine providence to the intercession of the Blessed Mary of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States, we wanted to place our faith, hope, and pledge our love also to the Mass as well.”

— Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace

“Christians in the Middle Belt are still being massacred. A culture of denial by Nigerian officials persists.”

— Rep. Chris Smith

What’s next

The U.S. government is expected to consider further actions, such as targeted sanctions, to address religious freedom violations in Nigeria following the congressional hearing.

The takeaway

The solidarity Mass and advocacy events demonstrate the strong bond between the Catholic Church in the U.S. and Africa, as they work together to defend religious freedom and support vulnerable Christian communities, particularly in Nigeria where persecution remains a grave concern.