Even as global funding streams tighten and foreign aid dwindles, leading Catholic development agencies are standing firm in their support for Africa. At the recent plenary assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), held in Kigali, Rwanda, top officials from Misereor and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) pledged continued partnership with the Church and civil society across the continent.
Their message was clear: financial strain will not shake solidarity.
Speaking on behalf of Misereor, Father Andreas Frick acknowledged the stark reality of diminishing resources. The German government, he noted, has been steadily cutting back tax-funded contributions to church-affiliated development work since 2023. At the same time, donations from German parishes once a lifeline have also declined. This dual setback has forced the agency to scale down its financial commitments. Yet even under pressure, Frick stressed that the heart of Misereor’s mission remains unchanged.
He urged African bishops to take the lead in supporting local fundraising efforts to sustain development projects on the continent, emphasizing that cooperation must extend beyond monetary aid. For Misereor, true partnership involves shared values, mutual advocacy, and a collective commitment to justice and human dignity. Frick reaffirmed that Misereor would continue walking alongside the poor and marginalized, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion, and would remain rooted in Gospel values of peace and solidarity.
CRS, the international relief arm of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, delivered a similarly resolute message. In their solidarity address to SECAM, CRS leaders acknowledged the severe impact of sudden funding suspensions especially those implemented during the Trump administration. These cuts disrupted key programs, leaving organizations like CRS grappling with new limitations.
Still, the agency reiterated its unwavering dedication to its mission. Drawing strength from the support of U.S. Catholics and global partners, CRS vowed to uphold Catholic social teaching and continue providing high-quality humanitarian services. Africa, they stated, would remain a priority, and CRS would do all it could within available means to sustain its longstanding collaboration with SECAM and its regional partners.
Despite the challenges, both organizations expressed deep gratitude for the spiritual and practical support from African bishops, stressing that their joint mission is as vital as ever. They described this era not as one of retreat, but as a moment to recommit to remain at the side of the suffering, to speak out against injustice, and to keep hope alive through action rooted in faith.
As international funding policies shift and economic realities grow harsher, Catholic relief groups are signaling a powerful message to Africa: they may be facing storms, but they are not walking away.