ANB-BIA SUPPLEMENT - ISSUE/EDITION Nr 331 - 01/10/1997

ANB-BIA SUPPLEMENT

ISSUE/EDITION Nr 331 - 01/10/1997

CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE


Congo (RDC)

Solidarity among Christians

by Louis Kalonji, Kinshasa, Congo-RDC, August 1997

THEME = THE CHURCHES


INTRODUCTION

The Churches get together to study their role in the present situation in Central Africa

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.

Conference at work


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.

Recommendations


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.

A concrete result


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

CONTENTS | ANB-BIA HOMEPAGE


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