ACNUSA Presents the Plight of the Persecuted Church at USCCB Plenary Assembly

Baltimore, MD (November 12, 2024) – Today, Aid to the Church in Need USA (ACNUSA) presented the urgent needs of the persecuted Church to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, MD. 

The Assembly opened with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, who, along with Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn, said how pleased he is to have ACNUSA in his dioceses, acknowledging the vital work of the organization and its specific mission to serve the persecuted Church worldwide. His Eminence expressed his gratitude, noting and highlighting ACNUSA’s deep knowledge and expertise in addressing the challenges faced by persecuted Christians.  

Bishop John Bonnici, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York and a long-standing member of ACNUSA’s Board of Directors, provided an overview of the organization’s various programs and initiatives. He emphasized the significance of ACNUSA’s support for seminarians, noting that one in eight seminarians worldwide receive assistance from the organization. Bishop Bonnici also highlighted ACNUSA’s extensive efforts in Ukraine, the Holy Land, and Nigeria, where the Church faces severe persecution. He expressed sincere appreciation to the donors who make this vital work possible. 

ACNUSA shared a compelling video showcasing the diverse forms of persecution faced by Christians around the world. Attendees also received copies of the recently released report, “Persecuted and Forgotten?”, which delves into the challenges faced by persecuted Christians globally. 

In the past year alone, ACNUSA has provided Mass stipends to 40,767 priests worldwide; funded 969 church and religious building projects; and distributed over 1.7 million Mass stipends.

ACNUSA has invited all bishops to participate in the organization’s Courage in Faith initiative, which takes place April 6-12, 2025. This initiative honors martyrs of the Church and those who continue to suffer for their faith today. 

By highlighting the plight of the persecuted Church, ACNUSA seeks to raise awareness and inspire action by the USCCB and the broader Catholic community. The organization encourages individuals to learn more about the challenges facing persecuted Christians and to support ACNUSA’s mission through donations and prayer. 

ACNUSA is a pontifical foundation dedicated to helping persecuted Christians worldwide. Through its various programs, ACNUSA provides humanitarian aid, pastoral and spiritual support, and emergency relief to those who suffer for their faith. For more information, please contact Edward Clancy, Director of Outreach for ACNUSA, at press@churchinneed.org, or 718-609-0934.