The African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) has a rich history of gatherings and conferences dating back to its inception in 1997. Here is a summary of the key events and developments in the history of AWRC:
1997 – First National Conference in Bensalem, Pennsylvania: The AWRC was organized by the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees (PCMR), led by Father Okure, OP and assisted by Sister Marie Prefontaine, SND. The conference aimed to address issues related to the welcome and integration of African women religious into the life of the church in the United States.
1999 – Conference in Tampa, Florida: The second national conference took place at the Franciscan Spiritual Centre in Tampa, Florida, and discussed various issues, including clergy exchange agreements, acculturation, and liaison with Episcopal conferences in Africa. There was a growing recognition of the need for unity between AWRC and the African Catholic Clergy Association (ACCA).
2000 – Joint Conference in Baltimore: Father Okure ,OP organized the first Joint Conference of AWRC and ACCA at the Maritime Institute in Baltimore. Theme: You are my Witness – This historic gathering addressed the needs of African Catholic clergy and religious in the United States, and it resulted in the publication of the first directory of African priests and sisters in the U.S. This conference marked the beginning of annual joint conferences between the two organizations.
2001 – Second Joint Conference in Jacksonville, Florida: Them: To build on the successes of the previous gatherings and to focus on education and on the call to evangelization.
The focus of this conference was on education and the call to evangelization.
2002 – Third Joint Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida: Sister Mary Paul Asoegwu, DDL, served as the Coordinator of Ethnic Ministries for this conference theme of the Convention was – Making Here Together- . It emphasized spiritual growth, cultural adaptation, and the support and resource roles of African clergy and religious in diverse communities. At this Conference, African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) had an election, Sr Joanna Okerke, HHCJ was elected the president of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) with her executive team members.
2003 – Fourth Joint Conference in San Fernando, California: Hosted by the California Chapter of African Priests and Religious, this conference addressed the needs, challenges, and issues faced by African clergy and religious as newcomers. Collaboration in ministry was a central theme.
2004 – Fifth Joint Conference in Omaha, Nebraska: with the theme – Looking Inward. This conference marked a turning point in the organizations’ structure. There was a growing sense of identity and dignity among members, and efforts were intensified to formalize the structure under one governing body and constitution. The ACCA/AWRC Joint Conference was renamed the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS). Father Anselm Nwaorgu was elected as the First National President. No change in the women leadership.
2005- (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
Sixth Annual Convention of African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (Joint Conference was renamed -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
2006- (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
The joint convention was hosted by 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. Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ remain the president of African Women Religious Conference (AWRC).
2007- (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
Eight Annual Convention of African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) was held in New Jersey. The theme of the convention was: “Faithfulness to our Call”
2008: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
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: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
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”.
Sr. Joanna Okerke had a significant and noteworthy involvement with the African Women Religious Conference (AWRC). Serving as the president of AWRC from 2002 to August 2009 is indeed a substantial commitment, and it indicates that her contributions were highly regarded by the organization. Her leadership and dedication during this time period likely played a crucial role in advancing the mission and objectives of AWRC within the context of African women religious. It’s not uncommon for individuals who have held leadership positions to transition into advisory roles to provide continuity and guidance. The AWRC recognized Sr. Joanna’s expertise and dedication, even after her term as president ended, by appointing her as an adviser. This allows her to continue supporting the organization and providing valuable sponsorship.
Sr. Joanna’s continued involvement as an adviser demonstrates her ongoing commitment to the mission and goals of AWRC. Such transitions can be a great way to ensure that the knowledge and experience of past leaders are leveraged for the benefit of the organization and its members.
Elections for AWRC Leadership 2009-2012: In, August ,2009 Sr. Mary Christiana Onyewuche, EHJ, was elected as the AWRC president, along with her executive team members. – Sr. Mary Reginald Anibueze, DDL – Vice president, Sr. Maria Rukwishuro,SJI – Secretary, Sr. Ogechi Ofurrun, HHCJ- Publicity Secretary. Sr. Rose Ereba, HHCJ- Treasurer, Sr. Mary Iweanya- provost, Sr. Miriam Terese Ezike, DDL- Financial Secretary.
2010: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
The Eleventh Annual African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States ACCCRUS met this year in South Bend/Notre Dame 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.).
2011: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
“Revisiting the African-American Catholic Experience.” is the theme for ACCCRUS 2011 convention which was held in Arizona in Tucson.
2012: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
ACCCRUS celebrated the Second African National Eucharistic Congress held August,2012, in collaboration with the National Association of African Catholics in the United States. 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.”
Elections for AWRC Leadership 2012-2016: In, August ,2012 Sr. Mary Christiana Onyewuche, EHJ, was Re-elected as the AWRC president, along with her executive team members. – Sr. Mary Reginald Anibueze, DDL – Vice president, Sr. Maria Rukwishuro,SJI – Secretary, Sr. Ogechi Ofurrun, HHCJ- Publicity Secretary. Sr. Rose Ereba, HHCJ- Treasurer, Sr. Mary Iweanya- provost, Sr. Miriam Terese Ezike, DDL- Financial Secretary.
2016 – (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
Elections for AWRC Leadership 2016-2019: In July 2016, Sr. Mary Reginald Anibueze, DDL, was elected as the AWRC president, along with her executive team members. – Sr. Henrietta Okoro, HHCJ- Vice president, Sr. Berta Mashu – Treasurer, Sr. Florence Enechukwu,MSHR- Secretary, Sr. Maria Makuchukwu Dunu,DDL- Publicity Secretary.
2017: – (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
The eighteenth Annual Convention of the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the United States (ACCCRUS) convention held July, 2017 at New Orleans theme: Building Intercultural Competency for African Priests and Religious in the United States.
2018: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
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 3 – August 4, 2018 with the theme “Global Church in a Globalized World: The Implication for the Church in Africa”
2019: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
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.
Elections for AWRC Leadership 2019-2022: In July 2019, Sr. Mary Reginald Anibueze, DDL, was Re- elected as the AWRC president, along with her executive team members. – : Sr. Henrietta Okoro,HHCJ- Vice president (Re- elected), Mother Ngozi Azuba ADJ- Treasurer, Sr. Maria Rukwishuro,SJI- Secretary, Sr. Maria Makuchukwu Dunu,DDL- Publicity Secretary(Re- elected).
2020 and 2021- COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on gatherings and conventions in 2020 and 2021. Due to the highly contagious nature of the virus, many large-scale events, including conventions, conferences, and gatherings, were canceled or postponed to prevent the spread of the virus and protect public health. This was a necessary measure to reduce the risk of transmission and to prioritize the safety of attendees.
In the absence of physical conventions and gatherings, many people turned to alternative methods to stay connected and provide support, including prayer and virtual meetings. Prayer and spirituality can provide solace and a sense of community during difficult times, and for many, it served as a way to cope with the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Additionally, virtual meetings and conferences became popular alternatives, allowing people to interact and share information while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
As the situation evolved and vaccination efforts increased, some events began to return in hybrid formats, combining in-person and virtual elements to accommodate a wider range of participants. The response to the pandemic demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of communities as they found new ways to stay connected and support one another during challenging times.
2022: (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
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 held in, 2022, with the theme “Called to Be Witness of Christ in a Wounded World”.
Elections for AWRC Leadership 2022 – 2025 was held at this convention. Current Leadership: In 2022, Sr. Maria Nnachebe Chiotu, DDL, was elected as the AWRC president, serving alongside her executive team members Vice president, Sr. Ogechi Ofurum, HHCJ, Mother Ngozi Azuba – Treasurer, Sr. Maria Rukwishuro,SJI- Secretary and Sr. Henrietta Okoro, HHCJ – Publicity Secretary.
2023 – (Joint Conference was renamed -ACCCRUS)
Fourth African National Eucharistic Congress (ANEC): In 2023, a convention and celebration of the Fourth ANEC took place in Washington DC. This event brought together participants from different parts of Africa and the United States to respond to the priestly prayer of Jesus, “That They may All Be One” (John 17:21).
The African Women Religious Conference (AWRC) has played a significant role in addressing the needs and challenges faced by African women religious in the United States, fostering unity among them, and promoting their mission within the Catholic Church and the communities they serve. This information is compiled by Sister Henrietta Okoro, HHCJ, who serves as the publicity secretary for AWRC.
The source of this information includes:
- Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees (PCMR): The PCMR, under the leadership of Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ, who serves as the Assistant Director of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), is likely involved in supporting the AWRC and providing information related to their activities and contributions.
- AWRC / ACCA Joint Conference (ACCRUS) National Convention Reports: These reports are official documents that provide detailed information about the activities, initiatives, and outcomes of the African Women Religious Conference in collaboration with the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious (ACCA).
Sister Henrietta Okoro’s compilation of this information underscores the importance of AWRC’s work in addressing the unique challenges faced by African women religious in the United States and their efforts to promote unity and their mission within the Church and communities.
Sister Henrietta Okoro, HHCJ
AWRC – Publicity Secretary.
