Our History
The African American Affairs Ministry Diocese of Charlotte was formed May 17, 1985, from a group of 10 individuals calling themselves the Committee for Concerned Black Catholics.
In July 1985, the ministry was recognized as the Diocesan Committee on Black Catholic Ministry and Evangelization and was a part of the diocesan Ministry for Justice and Peace. In August 1989, it became a separate office to address and serve the needs and concerns of Black Catholics within the Diocese of Charlotte.
Today the African American Affairs Ministry is fully recognized by the diocese and supported by the bishop. Its primary goal is to give visibility to the work, contributions, traditions and culture of Black Catholics to the Church and to society, and to propose adequate diocesan responses to racism and other social injustices.
The ministry plans and conducts a variety of programs, retreats, workshops and events open to everyone in the diocese to integrate various cultures, engage young people, promote greater understanding and nurture agents for change.
* The terminology “Black Catholics” is used here to include all Roman Catholics of African descent, and Africans who reside in the United States.