Catholic and Protestant Leaders Unite in DRC for Peace Initiative
On January 15, Christian denominations in the DRC launched a plan called the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together.” This initiative arises amidst escalating violence from the M23 rebel group. The church leaders emphasize the urgency of peace and advocate for dialogue and community engagement to address the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.
On January 15, amidst intensifying violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian denominations jointly introduced a strategic initiative aimed at mitigating the ongoing humanitarian crisis and violence. This initiative, termed the “Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together in the DRC and Great Lakes Region,” represents a collaborative effort between the Church of Christ in Congo, which encompasses over 60 Protestant denominations, and the Catholic Church.
At the initiative’s launch, Rev. Eric Nsenga and Fr. Donatien Nshole emphasized the pressing need for peace and harmonious coexistence within their communities. They articulated the responsibility of churches to urge local populations and government entities to embrace peaceful living, especially during this significant year of Jubilee. Their statement underscored the urgent nature of this call amidst the ongoing conflicts.
The emergence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has escalated violence in eastern DRC, leading to widespread displacement. Reports indicate that as of April 2024, approximately 7.3 million individuals have been displaced due to the conflict, which has resulted in over six million fatalities since its onset in 1998. The church leaders highlighted the critical nature of the situation, stating, “Every day that passes is one too many!” as they warned of impending humanitarian crises.
In contrast to traditional diplomatic efforts that have yielded limited results, the church leaders advocate for a return to traditional African conflict resolution methods, particularly dialogue conducted under the “palaver tree.” They reflected on the historical effectiveness of community-based resolutions and called for a revival of the sociocultural values of Bumuntu (Ubuntu) to foster unity and peace in the DRC and the broader Great Lakes Region.
The churches’ plan aims to unite congregations, political figures, and local communities to work collectively toward resolution and coexistence, promoting dialogue and consensus building to address the root causes of the ongoing political and armed conflicts. Through comprehensive workshops, the churches aim to draft recommendations that will culminate in a national charter dedicated to peace and unity in the DRC.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, with the current crisis exacerbated by the resurgence of rebel groups like M23. This conflict has led to significant humanitarian challenges, including mass displacement and loss of life. In light of this, local Christian leaders are seeking collaborative approaches that leverage communal values and spiritual guidance to restore peace and stability. Their strategy reflects both a reliance on historical practices and a bid to re-engage the population around the ideals of peaceful coexistence.
The collaborative initiative launched by Catholic and Protestant leaders in the DRC underscores the urgency of addressing ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. By advocating for traditional dialogue and community engagement, this plan seeks to restore peace through shared values and collaboration. It is an important step in empowering local populations to take an active role in conflict resolution and fostering a culture of coexistence.
Original Source: www.indcatholicnews.com
