Formation of NBCCC
In April 1968, amidst a growing sense of Black Nationalism and facing widespread riots and disillusionment in the wake of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., roughly half of the then 150 Black Catholic Clergy met separately at the Catholic Clergy Conference on the Interracial Apostolate — the first time the nation’s Black Catholic Clergy had ever gathered as one body. With a prophetic voice and after hours of intense deliberation, they published a statement; courageously called out the Catholic Church as a racist institution, proposing necessary changes for the Church to become viable in the Black community; but also, expressing hope in the future. This meeting became the genesis for the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (NBCCC). The latter became a catalyst and inspiration for the formation of many other Black Catholic leadership organizations, institutions and publications.
Latest News
New President – Father Kareem Smith
Our new President - Father Kareem Smith Father Kareem R. Smith is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of New York, recognized for his passionate preaching, pastoral leadership, and commitment to fostering spiritual and social engagement within the Church.Fr....
Passing Father Norman Fischer
Father Norman Anthony Fischer, Jr., a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away on July 15, 2024, in Newark, Delaware. He was born August 20, 1973, to Norman Anthony Sr. and Lecita Fischer in Prince George’s County, Maryland.Fr. Norman...
The upcoming elevation of Wilton Gregory Cardinal-designate
Greetings to you, and prayers for a blessed Thanksgiving!I received information about the upcoming elevation of Wilton Cardinal-designate Gregory, and I wanted to share it with you. The elevation will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 10:00am EST, and...
Who We Are
The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus serves as a fraternity for the Black Catholic Clergy and Religious to support the spiritual, theological educational, and ministerial growth of its members. Our membership is composed of Black Catholic ordained Clergy (bishops, priest and deacons), religious brothers and seminarians. We stand on the shoulders of our founding fathers that birthed this organization during the civil rights movement in 1968.
We are a fraternity which nurtures and supports our membership. We provide leadership training and mentoring for our seminarians and deacon candidates and religious brothers in their formation process. We are committed to taking care of the spiritual needs of our African-American brothers and sisters. Our celebration is holistic and this is expressed in the joy and spirit of our liturgies and the character of our ministries. The NBCCC is a vehicle to bring the contributions of the Black Community to fruition within the Catholic Church.