Title: President Félix Tshisekedi celebrates a double ceremony in Nkamba, holy place of the Kimbanguist Church
Introduction: President Félix Tshisekedi recently made a four-hour visit to Nkamba, the holy site of the Kimbanguist Church. This visit was of particular importance since it marked both the commemoration of the death of Simon Kimbangu and the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani. This approach illustrates the rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches.
The importance of the presidential visit to Nkamba:
The visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba aroused great expectations and was welcomed by many faithful and officials of the Kimbanguist Church. It was a strong symbolic gesture from the president towards this religious community and reflected his desire to strengthen ties between the State and the Church.
The double commemorative ceremony:
The presidential visit to Nkamba was motivated by two major events for the Kimbanguist Church. First of all, the commemoration of the death of Simon Kimbangu, which occurred on October 12, 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment. This day is considered a time of meditation and prayer for the faithful.
Then, the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, also on October 12 but in 1951. Son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua, he has held the position of Spiritual Leader and Legal Representative of the Kimbanguist Church since 2001. His birth is celebrated as a major event for the religious community.
The rapprochement between the power and the Kimbanguist Church:
President Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba testifies to a desire for rapprochement between the political power and the Kimbanguist Church, which has many faithful in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This symbolic gesture strengthens the links between the State and religion, and gives official recognition to the Kimbanguist community.
The results of this visit:
The presidential visit to Nkamba sparked great mobilization within the Kimbanguist community, but was also a moment of dialogue and exchange between the president and religious leaders. This paves the way for closer collaboration between the State and the Kimbanguist Church, and makes it possible to address important issues such as education, health and social development.
Conclusion :
The visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba marks an important turning point in relations between the Congolese state and the Kimbanguist Church. By celebrating the double commemorative ceremony and expressing his desire for rapprochement, the president shows respect for this influential religious community. Let us hope that this visit will pave the way for fruitful collaboration for the development of Congolese society.