National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus Convenes in Houston, Calls for Shift from Maintenance to Mission
The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus held its 2026 convocation in Houston from July 21 to 24, drawing priests and deacons from across the country. Leaders urged members to move beyond institutional upkeep and toward active community engagement, unveiling a new investment initiative to strengthen Black Catholic institutions.
The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus held its annual convocation in Houston from July 21 to 24, 2026, under the theme "Dwelling Together as One."
The gathering brought together Black Catholic priests, deacons, and religious leaders from across the United States. Leadership used the event to push a strategic shift in focus, urging members to move beyond maintaining existing structures and toward active, embodied discipleship in their communities.
A major announcement at the convocation was the "Black Catholic Flourishing Project," a partnership with FADICA, a network of Catholic foundations. The initiative aims to strengthen Black Catholic institutions through new investment strategies and donor-advised funds.
FADICA representatives said the project is designed to address long-standing funding gaps that have left many Black Catholic parishes and schools operating with limited resources.
The convocation also addressed the broader state of Black Catholic life in the United States. Speakers noted that while Black Catholics number approximately 2.8 million, many parishes face declining attendance and financial strain.
The National Black Catholic Congress opened the application cycle for the 2026 Daniel Rudd Fund on July 1, providing additional support for Black Catholic community projects.
The NBCCC was founded in 1968 and serves as the primary organization for Black Catholic clergy in the United States.
