The Secretary General of CENCO, Msgr. Donatien Nshole, expressed the Catholic Church’s support for an initiative proposing interfaith prayers for the FARDC and humanitarian aid for displaced persons in the DRC. While affirming commitment to prayer, he highlighted the importance of including all suffering individuals, not just soldiers, and stressed that prayers aim for peace rather than victory in war.
In Kinshasa, Msgr. Donatien Nshole, Secretary General of the Congolese National Episcopal Conference (CENCO), responded to a proposal by Minister Constant Mutamba to unite various religious denominations on February 9 for prayers in support of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and to conduct charitable collections. Msgr. Nshole affirmed the Church’s commitment to prayer but emphasized its unique approach, which includes praying for all, even adversaries.
The interfaith initiative, aimed at fostering peace in the violence-stricken eastern region of the DRC, was initiated by Minister Mutamba. A previous press release indicated his outreach to religious leaders for collective prayer efforts scheduled to occur both nationally and internationally on February 9, complemented by fundraising efforts to support the FARDC and allied militias.
Msgr. Nshole expressed the Church’s readiness to participate in the prayer event while reflecting on the dire humanitarian circumstances in the eastern DRC. He acknowledged the plight of soldiers as victims of the region’s unrest and underscored the importance of including prayers for displaced persons and vulnerable communities suffering amidst ongoing violence.
Additionally, the Secretary General recalled the Church’s doctrinal obligations regarding offerings, noting that Canon Law requires such contributions to be utilized for worship and charitable initiatives. He underscored that military families, like all members of society, deserve humanitarian assistance as part of the broader mission of the Church.
Msgr. Nshole concluded by articulating the Church’s underlying purpose for prayer, stating, “We do not pray to win the war, but to obtain peace.” His remarks highlight the Church’s holistic approach to addressing both spiritual and social challenges facing the Congolese populace.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced prolonged conflict fostered by numerous armed groups, significantly affecting peace and humanitarian conditions in the eastern regions. The FARDC faces immense challenges in restoring security while civilians endure hardships. In this context, religious institutions like CENCO play a crucial role in mobilizing community support, promoting peace initiatives, and offering prayer as a means of addressing these multifaceted challenges while fostering unity among diverse faith groups.
The interfaith prayer initiative by CENCO underscores the Catholic Church’s commitment to promote peace in the DRC amidst ongoing conflict. By embracing a doctrine of inclusivity in prayer, the Church emphasizes compassion not only for soldiers but also for all affected civilians. This initiative exemplifies how faith leaders can contribute meaningfully to societal healing and reconciliation efforts in conflict-prone regions.
Original Source: www.fides.org
