Title: “Political Scams in the Catholic Church: A Debate Inflames the Congolese Clergy”
Introduction :
Religion and politics, two areas that are often brought together. Recently, a controversy erupted within the Congolese Catholic Church, highlighting the political schemes of certain members of the clergy. An open letter was sent to the permanent office of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, expressing disagreement with these practices. In this article, we will return to this case and discuss the debate around the separation between political opinions and religious mission.
Political schemes within the Congolese Catholic Church:
Father François Kabasele, of the diocese of Mbuyi-Mayi, provoked controversy by denouncing the political schemes of Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and Bishop Donatien Nshole. In an open letter, he expresses his deep disagreement with the use of the pious audience to spread political opinions during celebrations and pastoral assemblies.
Father Kabasele insists on the need to preserve a clear line of demarcation between political opinions and religious missions. According to him, these practices harm the image of the Church and can sow division among the faithful.
The place of the Catholic Church in the management of the country:
Father Kabasele also refers to the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, which authorizes its intervention in the management of the country to denounce social evils and propose improvements. However, he stresses that the Catholic hierarchy should not behave like a political party, going so far as to choose its agents to audit the electoral register of the Republic.
Compliance with the directives of the Catholic Church:
In his letter, Father Kabasele reminds priests of the importance of respecting the directives of the Catholic Church. He warns against abuses that could compromise the main objective of the Church, namely the dissemination of the faith and the spiritual accompaniment of the faithful.
Reactions and debates within the Catholic Church:
Radio Okapi tried to contact Mgr Donatien Nshole, permanent secretary of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo, in order to obtain his version of the facts, but in vain. This affair aroused strong reactions within the Congolese clergy, with positions taken in favor or in opposition to Father Kabasele.
Conclusion :
The debate around political schemes within the Congolese Catholic Church highlights the complexity of the relationship between religion and politics. While some advocate greater church involvement in political affairs, others insist on the need to respect neutrality and focus on the spiritual mission of the church.. This controversy raises important questions about the role and place of religious institutions in society.