National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus 2025 Convocation

Theme: Hope Does Not Disappoint (Romans 5:5)

July 20–24, 2025 | Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Lloyd Harbor, NY

Dear Brothers,

Grace and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is with deep disappointment and pastoral concern that I write to inform you that we are officially canceling the 2025 National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus Convocation, scheduled for July 20–24 at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.

Despite our best efforts and extended invitations, registration numbers remain critically low. We had hoped that this gathering would be an opportunity to deepen our fraternity, renew our shared mission, and equip ourselves for the challenges of ministry in our time. Unfortunately, the lack of participation signals a painful reality: there appears to be little buy-in from our membership at this time.

This is particularly troubling given the current social and political climate in our country. In a moment when our voices are most needed—when racism, voter suppression, attacks on the poor, and disillusionment within the Church are intensifying—the NBCCC should be a beacon of clarity, strength, and prophetic witness. And yet, we are forced to confront the reality of our diminished impact. We must ask ourselves: what is the purpose of this organization if it cannot speak or act meaningfully in such a time as this?

In light of the cancellation, we will instead host a smaller gathering for our seminarians, who continue to show great promise and enthusiasm for the future of Black Catholic leadership in the Church. We must continue to plant seeds, even in difficult soil.

To those brothers who did register for the Convocation: thank you. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed. We will be reaching out to you directly to coordinate full refunds.

Brothers, we are at a crossroads.

A caucus can only be as strong and as vibrant as its members. While criticism has been directed at the Board, I must say with honesty and love that we cannot lead an organization whose members choose silence over engagement and critique over collaboration. The future of the NBCCC is not solely in the hands of its officers—it rests in the hearts of each of you.

Many of our members have not submitted their 2025 dues. This directly impacts our ability to plan, act, and sustain the organization. I urge you to fulfill this obligation if you believe in the mission we profess.

In the coming weeks, I will reach out with details about alternative opportunities for formation, solidarity, and discernment. Additionally, we will hold our next Board election via an online platform this August. More information will be forthcoming.

If we are truly willing to let this organization die, then let us at least give it the dignity of a proper burial. But if there is still hope—if there is still something in us that believes in the power of our collective voice, the necessity of our brotherhood, and the prophetic witness of Black Catholic clergy—then we must make that known, not merely with words but with action.

I welcome your thoughts. But more than that, I plead for your commitment. This work matters, or it does not. And if it matters, then we must act like it does.

In Christ who calls us still,

Fr. Kareem R. Smith
President, National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus