The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) recently met with the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Péter Kazadi, within the framework of the framework agreement between the Catholic Church and the DRC. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the application of this agreement which binds the Church and the Congolese State.
The framework agreement between the Catholic Church and the DRC entered into force in 2020, but was never fully implemented. However, a recent decree from the Prime Minister called for its application, in particular by recognizing the Catholic Church as a legal entity in its own right.
Following lengthy negotiations, CENCO, the apostolic nunciature and the ministries concerned drafted five specific agreements covering different areas, such as the teaching of religion in schools, Catholic educational institutions, charitable assistance activity of the Church, pastoral care in penitentiary and hospital institutions, as well as the property and tax regime.
This framework agreement allows the Catholic Church to have greater freedom in its apostolic activities. It also regulates different areas, such as Catholic educational institutions, religious teaching, charitable activity, pastoral care in the armed forces, penitentiary and hospital institutions, as well as obtaining visas and residence permit for religious personnel.
It is important to highlight the contribution of the Catholic Church to the democratic process and to the promotion of the well-being and integral development of the Congolese nation, particularly in the areas of education and health.
This meeting between CENCO and the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the Interior shows the desire of both parties to implement this framework agreement and to strengthen collaboration between Church and State for the well-being of the country. .
The Catholic Church plays an essential role in Congolese society, particularly in education and charitable assistance. By recognizing its importance and guaranteeing its freedom of action, the Congolese state shows its desire to promote harmonious coexistence between religious institutions and the state.
The full implementation of this framework agreement will make it possible to further strengthen collaboration between the Catholic Church and the Congolese State, and to promote the integral development of the country. The meeting between CENCO and the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the Interior marks an important step towards achieving this objective.
In conclusion, the framework agreement between the Catholic Church and the DRC constitutes a significant step forward in the recognition and promotion of the role of the Church in Congolese society.. Its full implementation will strengthen collaboration between Church and State for the well-being of the country, particularly in the areas of education, health and charitable assistance.