by Louis Kalonji, Kinshasa, Congo-RDC, August 1997
THEME = THE CHURCHES
From 21-26 July, the Christian Churches of the Democratic Republic
of Congo (RDC), namely, Catholics, Protestants, Kimbuists and
Orthodox, held their first national conference in Kinshasa at the
Lycée Dr Shaumba. This meeting, organised with the
cooperation of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) had as
its theme: "The place and function of the Christian Churches
in Congo (RDC) and in Central Africa." A sub-theme of the
conference was: "Unity, peace and human dignity as
requirements in reconstruction and development".
The Conference brought together more than 150 delegates from all
the various provinces of Congo. Many Christians from Kinshasa were
also invited. The opening ceremony consisted of an ecumenical
service in the Protestant Centenary Cathedral, at which the
principal leaders of the Christian Churches in Congo participated.
Among the principal participants were Cardinal
Frédéric Etsou, Archbishop of Kinshasa, Dr
Marini Bodho, vice-president of the Protestant Church,
Pastor Luntadila, secretary general of the Kimbuist Church
and Rev. P. Katalayi, head of the Orthodox Church.
Talks by twelve speakers gravitated round three areas:
politico-economic, social-cultural and politico-religious. Among
the problems which caught the attention of the public during the
debates were notably: "Relations between Church and
State", discussed by Dr. Marini Bodho. Another no less
important theme, "Human advancement" was commented on by
Pastor Mulunda Nganga of the AACC. Finally, Father Pierre Mukuna
Mutanda, dean of the faculty of Theology in the Catholic Faculties
of Kinshasa, invited participants to reflect on "Christian
Thinking and the commitment of the Church to peace, solidarity and
reconciliation among peoples".
The speeches were followed by discussions in work groups aimed at
a deeper understanding of the problems. During these exchanges of
views, the necessity of the struggle for justice was
stressed, by inviting the Churches to make a positive contribution.
This can be done by breaking with the counter-values, typical of
Mobutu's Second Republic, in order to turn to the Gospel
values.
At the end of the deliberations and after a critical examination of
the national, international social, political and economic
situation, the delegates from the Churches adopted a series of
recommendations, addressed to the Churches themselves, to those in
government, to the international community and to all people of
good will.
To the Churches: "Conference recommends that the
pastoral initiatives already undertaken by the Churches of Rwanda,
Burundi and Congo-DRC dealing with reconciliation and the
peaceful coexistence of peoples, be sustained and
encouraged. It also urges Church leaders to increase their contacts
and exchange of views with each other, so that common positions on
the different social and political situations in Congo-DRC and
Central Africa can be adopted.
It is good to recall that Church leaders in the former Zaire,
adopted a common position in April 1997, before the taking of
Kinshasa by the AFDL forces. They decided on fervent prayer, a
rigorous fast, and severe penance to implore God to restore peace
in the hearts of all those involved in the conflict, and called on
God to grant them the gift of conversion, so that hostilities could
come to an end".
To those in government: "Conference recommends the
wisdom to avoid exploiting passions for political ends. This can
only cause division and hatred among citizens. Conference warns
people against adopting negative attitudes which lead to a
recurrence of fear. Conference reminds the faithful that they have
a duty to preserve national sovereignty, and act in such a way that
the future of their country can be ensured".
To the international community: "Conference asks the
United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity, as well as
other international organisations, to adopt a positive
attitude, so that Congo-RDC will have a chance to bring about
those changes so desired by its people".
Finally, Church leaders "invite all men and women of Congo RDC
and Central Africa, to transcend ethnic-centred attitudes
and to banish divisions which lead to conflicts, wars and
genocides". They recommend that everybody should realise that
politics, government and the armed forces, must be a service for
the common good.
In tandem with the establishment of a National Council, the
Christian Churches have also established an inter-Church
"Action Group" with the task of ensuring that Conference
recommendations are carried out, and that there is an on-going
dialogue. Provincial and local branches of this Action Group are to
be set up, so that the agreed orientations and directives are
effective at a grass-roots level.
One of these directives stipulates that the faithful must take
responsibility for the material running of their Churches. This
will give them greater autonomy and guarantee their freedom
of action, and of the stance they adopt. Christian Churches no
longer want their hands to be tied by donations and gifts from
political authorities, thus preventing them from being true
witnesses of Christ.
In his closing speech, Cardinal Etsou stressed: "For the times
we have allowed the people to be ill-treated, out of fear, or
because of any kind of egoistic interest, we ask forgiveness from
Christ and his Father. We undertake from now on to encourage human
and political attitudes which promote solidarity, social justice,
peace and mutual understanding".
END