Monsignor Donatien Nshole of CENCO expressed readiness for the Catholic Church to join interfaith prayer for peace and the FARDC on February 9, while also praying for adversaries and all affected by conflict in the DRC. The Church aims to address the humanitarian crisis through prayer and charitable actions, emphasizing peace over conflict.
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – Monsignor Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of CENCO, stated that the Catholic Church, while prepared to engage in prayer for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), will do so in alignment with its faith traditions. This follows a meeting with Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, who proposed an interfaith prayer initiative for peace in the eastern regions afflicted by violence from armed groups.
The initiative, spearheaded by Minister Mutamba, seeks to unite various religious groups in prayer on February 9, addressing a humanitarian crisis marked by conflict and displacement. The minister’s press release expressed intentions to organize moments of prayer both nationally and internationally to support the FARDC and allied militias.
In his remarks, Monsignor Nshole underscored the Church’s commitment to pray not only for soldiers but also for the broader community affected by violence, including displaced families and victims. He articulated the Church’s stance on prayer, emphasizing the importance of extending prayers to all, including adversaries, to foster peace and reconciliation.
Furthermore, the Secretary General highlighted the Church’s canonical obligations regarding offerings, which must support worship and charitable actions. He reiterated that while the Church supports military families, it equally acknowledges the need for humanitarian aid to all affected individuals.
In closing, Monsignor Nshole emphasized that the Church’s prayer efforts focus on seeking peace rather than merely winning conflicts, reinforcing their mission to promote harmony across the war-torn region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing significant violence due to numerous armed groups, especially in its eastern region. This has resulted in widespread humanitarian crises, including mass displacement and loss of life. In response, various religious leaders have proposed collective prayer efforts to address these challenges. CENCO plays a key role in the Catholic Church’s response, emphasizing a faith-based approach to prayer and community support.
Monsignor Nshole from CENCO highlighted the Catholic Church’s commitment to prayer for peace amidst ongoing violence in the DRC. The Church is prepared to participate in interfaith efforts to support the FARDC while also considering the needs of all affected by conflict. Their focus remains on advocating for peace rather than engaging in partisan conflicts, illustrating a commitment to humanitarian values.
Original Source: www.fides.org
