The Historic Visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba, Holy Place of the Kimbanguist Church
Thursday October 12, 2023 will be remembered as a historic day for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, President Félix Tshisekedi went to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguiste Church, for a visit marked with symbolism and rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches.
For almost four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., President Tshisekedi participated in a double ceremony. First of all, it commemorated the death of Simon Kimbangu, the founder of the Kimbanguist Church, which occurred on October 12, 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment. This commemoration recalls the legacy and importance of this religious leader for the Kimbanguiste community.
Then, the president celebrated the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua. Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani has been the spiritual leader and legal representative of the Kimbanguiste Church since 2001. His birth, which also took place on October 12, is a major event for the Kimbanguiste community.
The importance of this presidential visit cannot be underestimated. It marks a turning point in the relations between political power and the religious institution in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Tshisekedi, by going to Nkamba, recognizes the importance of the Kimbanguist Church in the Congolese religious landscape and thus strengthens dialogue and cooperation between the State and this religious community.
Many delegations were present in Nkamba to welcome President Tshisekedi. The event aroused great enthusiasm and palpable joy among the faithful of the Kimbanguiste Church. Images of this historic visit made the rounds in the media and were shared on social networks, arousing both pride and hope within the Kimbanguiste community.
This visit is not only a religious event, it is also a symbol of the unity and cultural diversity that characterize the Democratic Republic of Congo. It demonstrates President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote religious tolerance and create a climate of trust and mutual understanding between all religious communities in the country.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba is an important step towards a rapprochement between political power and the Kimbanguist Church. This marks a new chapter in relations between the state and religious institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This historic visit also opens new perspectives for dialogue and cooperation between all religious communities in the country, in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.