ACCCRUS

ACCCRUS is an acronym for African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States. The ACCCRUS is an association of priests and religious men and women from Africa, who are working and/or studying in the United States – and by their presence, have enriched the African and the United States Church. ACCCRUS was formed:

• To provide an environment of spiritual and social support to African Clergy and religious who are working in the United States.
• To organize seminars and workshops to make their ministry within the United States Church more effective and thereby preserve the integrity of their ministry as missionaries within the cross-cultural and multicultural dynamics of the American Society.
• To provide logistics for the orientation of the incoming African missionaries to the United States Church.
• To provide a forum for African clergy and religious to meet, be united and to provide for each other spiritual and social support.
• To liaise with African Bishops and Major Superiors and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, on issues affecting African Clergy and Religious on mission in the United States.
• For the promotion of understanding and cooperation among our members and other Africans who come from various parts of the African continent.
• For the encouragement and promotion of the welfare, education and advancement of African people both in Africa and the United States.
• To serve as a platform for the promotion of the ongoing dialogue on Solidarity between the church in the US and the African Church.

Regional Gatherings:

 In 1995, Father Aniedi Okure, O.P. was appointed the first Coordinator of Ethnic Ministries at PCMR. The same year, PCMR, in collaboration with the Secretariat for African American Catholics and the Archdiocese of Boston’s Office for Ethnic Apostolate sponsored the First African Catholic Community Conference, at the Pastoral Centre in Boston. The conference discussed pastoral challenges facing African Immigrant Catholics in the United States. However, with the presence of so many Africans from diverse national, cultural, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds living in different parts of United States, PCMR was challenged to be strategic in its effort to integrate these newcomers into the local church and society. This initiative prompted Father Aniedi Okure, O.P assisted by Sister Marie Prefontaine, SND to conduct regional orientation and acculturation workshops for African women religious in Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Jersey City, New Orleans, Oakland/Bay area, Newark, Portland (Oregon), Philadelphia, Jackson (Mississippi) and Detroit, with the intention that these Women Religious will help to further the evangelizing mission of the Church. The fruit of these regional gatherings is the emergence of the African Women Religious Conference (AWRC).

African Women Religious Conference (AWRC):

In 1997, PCMR led by Father Aniedi Okure and assisted by Sister Marie Prefontaine, SND organized the first National Conference of African sisters living in the United States – African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) in Bensalem Pennsylvania, to highlight issues regarding welcome and integration of African women religious into the life of the church in the United States. As a follow up, Father Aniedi Okure organized several gatherings of Regional Superiors of the different African Women Religious Congregations in the United States to further the process of welcome and integration for African women religious. These regional superiors became the resources for PCMR, providing information for a data base of African Women Religious ministering in the United States.

African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA):

In 1998, Father Aniedi Okure, OP as the Coordinator of Ethnic Ministries, organized the first national gathering of African Clergy living in the United States. The Conference which was held at the Franciscan Spiritual Centre in Tampa, Florida gave birth to African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA). This conference drew priests from eleven African countries. Father Callist Nyambo, then Director of the Office for Black Catholics, Diocese of St. Petersburg hosted the conference.

In 1999, the second African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA) national conference was held at the Franciscan Spiritual Centre in Tampa, Florida with Father Callist Nyambo as host. At this conference, issues pertaining to clergy exchange agreements, acculturation, “Pasturing in American Parishes” and liaison with Episcopal conferences in Africa were discussed.

THE FIRST TEN YEARS

Joint Conference of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) and African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA):

2000:

In 2000, Father Aniedi Okure, OP organized the very first Joint Conference of African Women Religious Conference and African Catholic Clergy Association and (AWRC/ACCA) at the Maritime Institute in Baltimore, and along with it, the publication of the first directory of African priests and sisters in the United States. The purpose of the meeting was to address the needs of African Catholic Clergy and Religious with the Theme “You are my Witness”. Many African Clergy and Women Religious came from all over the United States to participate in this Historic gathering. Following the success of this historic joint conference in Baltimore, there was a unanimous agreement by the participants that there is the need for Annual Joint Conferences of African priests and religious.

2001:

The Second Joint Conference of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) and African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA) was held in Jacksonville Florida, 2001, to build on the successes of the previous gatherings and to focus on education and on the call to evangelization. The conference was charged with the duty to form of Regional Chapters. A committee on communication was formed to develop a communiqué from the proceedings of the meeting, which will form a working document for the USCCB/ Church in Africa/ACCA/AWRC. The theme of the Convention was “Where do we go from Here”. We were encouraged to form regional chapters and at this time the following chapters formed: Houston TX, and Washington DC Chapters.

2002:

The Third Joint Conference of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) and African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA) convened in West Palm Beach, Florida, 2002, with the leadership of Sr. Mary Paul Asoegwu, DDL as the Coordinator, Ethnic Ministries. This gathering focused on how the priests and religious can grow spiritually to carry out their work and how we of African descent can culturally adapt in the United States and at the same time affirm our presence as a support and resource to the many diverse communities. The theme of the Convention was – Making “It” Here Together.

2003:

The Fourth Joint Conference of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) and African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA) was held in San Fernando, California, 2003. The conference was hosted by the California Chapter of African Priests and Religious. The purpose of the gathering was to address the needs, challenges and issues of the African Clergy and Religious as newcomers. Under the theme: Collaborating in Ministry.

2004:

The Fifth Joint Conference of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) and African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA) was held in Omaha, Nebraska, 2004, with the theme – “Looking Inward.” The Omaha convention marked the turning point in the structure of the organizations. There came a growing sense of our own identity and dignity, and the realization of the important responsibility our organization holds in our existence as missionaries in the United States. The move was intensified to formalize the structure under one governing body and constitution. During this Fifth Annual gathering hosted by Omaha Chapter, the ACCA/AWRC Joint Conference was renamed African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS). The gathering witnessed the election of Fr. Anselm Nwaorgu as the First National President.

Different standing committees were formed:

• Constitution Committee.
• Solidarity with Africa.
• Hospital Chaplaincy.
• 2004 Communiqué.

2005:

The Sixth Annual Convention of African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in Houston, Texas (2005). The convention was hosted by the ACCCRUS Houston, TX Chapter with the Theme “Us and the Mother Land.” Sr. Mary Francis Amanfo, DDL assumed the leadership as the Coordinator of Ethnic Ministries and continued its work in collaborating with ACCCRUS. The outcome of Convention was the Communiqué, which offered resources, suggestions, and other information on how ACCCRUS can collaborate in the common mission of the Church to evangelize. With the help of Fr. Anselm Nwaorgu ACCCRUS was registered and incorporated as a juridical entity, established an account with Bank of America and started the process of filing for a 501-C as a non-profit entity. During this time, ACCCRUS grew tremendously in fame as more chapters formed: Mid-Western Chapter; Tuscan, Arizona Chapter and Atlanta, GA. Chapter.

2006:

Washington, DC was the site for the Seventh Annual Convention of African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) from August 30 – September 1, 2006, followed by the First African National Eucharistic Congress from September 2-3, 2006 at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The participants attended the First African National Eucharistic Congress which included bishops, clergy, religious and laity who filled the National Shrine. The convention was hosted by the ACCCRUS Washington DC chapter, the theme of the Convention was Breaking Bread Together: The African Experience. An informative Communiqué was produced. During this time, Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ, became the Coordinator of Ethnic Ministries and continues to collaborate with ACCCRUS to organize its conventions. In this capacity Sister supports the efforts to reflect on the African presence of clergy and religious and their mission; how they can be most effective in ministry; how they can experience a supportive network of communal socialization and share ideas; and how they can pastorally respond to the needs of the newcomers in other to foster the Churches tradition of welcome and integration for all.

2007:

The Eight Annual Convention of African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in New Jersey, 2007; hosted by the newly formed ACCCRUS New Jersey Chapter. The theme of the convention was: “Faithfulness to our Call” The outcome of the eight Convention was the approval of the Provisional Constitution of ACCRUS and the election of new officers, with Fr. Martins Emeh as the President. A Communiqué was produced.

2008:

The Ninth Annual Convention of African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in Chicago, 2008. The convention was hosted by ACCCRUS Mid-Western Chapter with the theme – “Priestly and Religious Lives as Counter-Cultural Witnessing“. During this Convention, ACCCRUS constitution was approved and ratified.

2009:

The Tenth Annual African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States ACCCRUS was convene in Atlanta, GA, August 6-9, 2009. The Convention theme is: “Leadership in the 21st Century: The Role of Priests and Religious”. In the past conventions, ACCCRUS received the representatives of the following African Episcopal conferences: bishops from SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar); from AMECEA (Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in East Africa); from IMBISA (Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa); and from Association of Episcopal Conferences of West Africa (AECWA). Each conference enjoys a remarkable increase in the number of priests and religious attending these conferences.

2010:

The Eleventh Annual African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States ACCCRUS met this year in South Bend/Notre Dame August 5-8. The theme of the conference of ACCCRUS was: “The Second Synod on Africa: a call to service.” This is a theme which has direct bearing on the recent 2nd Special Assembly on Africa of the Synod of Bishops (commonly referred to as the 2nd African Synod) which took place in Rome October 4-25, 2009). The theme of the synod itself was The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and peace: ‘you are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world’ (Mt 5: 13, 14.). There were over 130 priests and religious in attendance at this convention. Five bishops were present either in part or for the whole convention: Most Reverend Rutilio J. Del Riego (Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino and Chairman of the USCCB Sub Committee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travellers; Most Reverend Joseph Perry (Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago); Most Reverend George Nkuo, Bishop of Kumbo, Cameroon; Most Reverend J.M. D’Arcy (Emeritus Bishop of Fort Wayne/South Bend) who preside at the mass on Friday, August 6; and Most Reverend Joseph Afrifa-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, Ghana, also in attendance was Professor John Cavadini of Notre Dame.

2011:

“Revisiting the African-American Catholic Experience.” is the theme for ACCCRUS 2011 convention which was held in The Hotel Arizona in Tucson, 181 W Broadway Blvd; Tucson, AZ 85701, August 4-7, 2011. Over 100 priests and religious attended the convention with the objective to promote collaboration between Africans in the United States and African-Americans. Most Reverend Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and Most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson, Arizona were in attendance. Three speeches at the convention were given by Most Reverend Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, O.D., PhD, Director, Institute for black Catholic Studies, Xavier University of Louisiana and Dr. Cecilia Moore associate Professor of History, University of Dayton, Ohio.

2012:

ACCCRUS celebrated the Second African National Eucharistic Congress held August 2-5, 2012, in collaboration with the National Association of African Catholics in the United States. The Congress gathered more than 1,000 Catholics representing more than 20 African nations, and participants from various States and Dioceses of the United States. About 100 priests and over 120 men and women religious attended the congress. The congress which was held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Centre in Maryland was in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a New Evangelization. The theme of the event “The Eucharist as Our Nourishment: Catalyst for Unity, Justice and Peace for African Catholics as New Migrants in the USA.”

The following Bishops and other dignitaries were present:

• His Eminence Donald W. Cardinal Wuerl, S.T.D. Archbishop of Washington.
• Most Reverend Carlo Maria Vigano, Papal Nuncio to the United States
• Most Reverend Rutilio J. del Riego, Chairman, Pastoral Care of Migrants Refugees and Travelers and Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino
• Most Reverend William Avenya, Auxiliary Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Nigeria.
• Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne, South Bend
• Most Reverend Paul Loverde – Bishop of Arlington Diocese
• Most Reverend Guy Sansaricq, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn
• Most Rev. Martin Holley, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington
• E. Joseph Bienvenu Charles Foe Atangana, Ambassador Plenipotentiary-Embassy of Cameroon – the United States of America
• Maria Munoz-Visoso, Executive Director Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church.

2013:

The Fourteenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) held July 31 – August 3, 2013 in Los Angeles, California gathered over 120 priests and religious to renew their commitment and to seek avenues on how to intensify their witness of charity and faith in action to service.

ACCCRUS focused on the theme -Celebrating “The Year of Faith: 2,000 Years of Teaching and Believing.” as the Church celebrates the Year of Faith which was declared by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI with his Apostolic Letter of October 11, 2011, Porta Fidei. Fr. Henry Atem was elected as the President. 

The following Bishops were present:

• Most Reverend Rutilio Del Riego, Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino and Chairman, Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers.
• Most Reverend Shelton Fabre, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Diocese.
• Most Reverend Edward Wm. Clark Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles Archdiocese.

2014:

The Fifteenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) held July 30 – August 2, 2014 in Houston. The conference gathered over 150 priests and religious. The theme “Building effective and Fruitful Ministry as People Called to Serve” helped ACCCRUS to consider the physical and emotional wellbeing of its members. Dr. Robert Wicks presented a key note address on Nurturing the inner life of Clergy and Religious while Dr. Sheryl Cash gave a talk on Maintaining Balance and Effective Time Management I Ministry.

Most Reverend George A. Sheltz, Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston Houston Archdiocese, Most Reverend Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago and the Episcopal Liaison for African, and Most Reverend Bishop Shelton Fabre, auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans and now Bishop elect of Houma-Thibodaux Diocese.  were present. The Members in attendance were inspired to continue to make the establishment of ACCCRUS a reality by living out their mission and ministry in the United States.

2015:

The Sixteenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was hosted in Boston, MA from July 29 to August 1, 2015. The convention took place at the Comfort Inn, Randolph (1374 North Main Street, Randolph, MA, US, 02368), with the closing Mass at St. Mary Parish, Randolph. The theme “Rediscovering the vision of family morals and values” with a focus on the experience of the family from the perspective of African immigrants to the United States, was timely as the Church prepares to celebrate the World Meeting of Families, September 22-27, 2015 in Philadelphia. As dedicated members of ACCCRUS, the priests and religious carry the light of the Gospel wherever they go, to continually increase as good ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

Most Reverend John Anthony Dooher, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston welcomed the ACCCRUS to the Archdiocese of Boston on behalf of Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley, OFM, Cap to.  Most Reverend Dooher also officiated at the closing Mass for the convention. Most Reverend Rutilio Del Riego, Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino and Chairman, Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees and Travelers was in attendance.

The speakers Fr. Ralph O’Donnell, Associate Director of the Secretariat of Clergy at USCCB, Dr. Joseph Atkinson, Barnabas and Justen Nkore, and, Dr. Nkolika Izuchi “aka” Oba Mma addressed the subject of families in general, and families of the immigrant community specifically. A panel discussion was focused on “Sustaining the African Catholic Family in Today’s diverse American culture.” The convention was well attended, with the presence of about one hundred and twenty African priests and religious sisters.

2016:

The Seventeenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) held in Washington DC at the Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, included the Eucharistic congress. The ACCCRUS pre-meeting and the Eucharist Congress was held on August 4-7, 2016 with the theme “Responding to the New Evangelization: African Catholic Family, a Gift to the Church in America.” This Congress included tie for prayer, workshops youth essay coemption award, Eucharistic adoration, Rosary procession, networking and African Gala celebration.

The Congress was a great opportunity for African Catholic clergy, religious and laity to come together to share in the vitality and richness of the African spiritual heritage, identify and celebrate the gifts that they bring to the American Church.  During this time together, Fr. Henry Atem was re-elected as the President of ACCRUS. The Congress was well attended, with over one thousand participants for the closing Mass.

The following Bishops were in attendance:

• Cardinal Monsengwo, Archbishop of Kinshasa of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Most Reverend Shelton Fabre, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Diocese.
• Most Reverend Paul Loverde – Bishop of Arlington Diocese
• Most Reverend Joseph Perry, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago

The speakers included: Cardinal Monsengwo, Archbishop of Kinshasa of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Most Reverend Shelton Fabre, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux Diocese; Rev. Fr. Anthony Appia; Dr. C. Venessa White; and Dr. Nkolika Izuchi

2017:

The eighteenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) convention took place from July 26 – 29, 2017 at the Maison Dupuy Hotel (1001 Toulouse St., New Orleans, LA 70112).

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond Bishop of New Orleans Archdiocese and Most Reverend Fernand Cheri, III Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans, and episcopal Liaisons for Africa were in attendance. The keynote speaker Fr. Allan Deck, SJ. Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University focused on the convention theme: Building Intercultural Competency for African Priests and Religious in the United States.

This annual convention was aimed at offering an opportunity to establish a basic orientation guide for African priests and religious in the United States. The Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers workshop was aimed to provide an opportunity for ministers to attain a foundational level of competence in intercultural relations and communications. About 100 priests and religious attended

2018:

 The nineteenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in Phoenix, Arizona on July 31, to August 4, 2018 with the theme “Global Church in a Globalized World: The Implication for the Church in Africa”. Fr. Aniedi Okure, OP, PhD, the Executive Director, Africa Faith and Justice Network was the keynote speaker. About 100 priests and religious attended the convention.

As Church leaders, ACCCRUS realized the continuous tension between the positive influence of globalization and the extensive impact it has on the lives of people and so used the opportunity of ACCCRUS convention to speak out against the issues and the need to correct the negative aspects of globalization. Most Reverend Eduardo Alanis Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix, Arizona officiated at the closing Mass for the convention.

2019:

 The twentieth Annual Convection of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in Atlanta, Georgia on July 24, to July, 2019 with the theme “Sharing Our Story; The Contributions of African Clergy and Religious in the United States”. Most Reverend Christophe Louis Yves Georges Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio the U.S., was the keynote speaker. About 130 priests and religious attended the convention.

2020: POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

2021: POSTPONED DUE TO COVID

 2022:

The twentieth-first Annual Convection of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in Des Moines, Iowa on July 27, to July 30, 2022, with the theme “Called to Be Witness of Christ in a Wounded World”.  Dr. Daniel McGuire, Professor of Theology at the University of Providence was the keynote speaker. About 68 priests and 24 religious attended the convention.

2023:

The fourth African National Eucharistic Congress was celebrated July 21-23, 2023, at The Catholic University of America and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. was a transformative spiritual journey characterized by profound encounters and thought-provoking discussions, leaving an indelible mark on all attendees. Nearly 1000 African Catholics from around the country participated in the conference, and many more joined for the Eucharistic Procession and Unity Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, M.Sp.S., PCMRT Chair and twenty other bishops participated. Many Bishops sponsored the ANEC as well as sent delegates to represent their dioceses. Bishop Jerome Fedjio of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the U.S Virgin Islands was the Chief celebrant for the opening Mass. Cardinal Wilton Gregory Archbishop of Washington was the principal celebrant for the Unity Mass. Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, led the Eucharistic procession.

The workshops, men and women retreat, clergy and religious meetings, provided the importance of nurturing a sense of community and dialogue within the context of faith. Beyond the enlightening conferences and discussions, the Eucharistic Procession and Unity Mass held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception witnessed the participation of countless more faithful, solidifying the bonds of community and faith. ANEC provided an environment where all participants, regardless of age, background, or culture, could engage in conversation that strengthened their faith and sense of community. Celebrated every five years, ANEC serves to anchor African Catholics in the United States firmly in the faith, and to motivate them to fully participate in the life of the Church in their local communities.