Nkamba: President Félix Tshisekedi goes to the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, recently made a symbolic visit to Nkamba, the holy site of the Kimbanguist Church. This visit marks an important rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches in the country.
Accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, President Tshisekedi arrived in Nkamba on October 12, 2023 for a commemorative ceremony. This date is of great significance for Kimbanguists, because it recalls both the death of Simon Kimbangu in 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment, and the birth of his spiritual successor, Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, also on October 12.
President Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba is of particular importance, because it demonstrates the Congolese government’s attachment to religious diversity and recognition of the influence of the Kimbanguist Church in Congolese society. This church, founded more than a century ago by Simon Kimbangu, has millions of faithful across the country.
During his visit to Nkamba, President Tshisekedi participated in a double ceremony in tribute to Simon Kimbangu and the celebration of the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani. The protests lasted about four hours, with delegations from different backgrounds attending to join the event.
President Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba was welcomed by many faithful and religious leaders, who see this approach as a gesture of recognition towards the Kimbanguist Church and a desire for interreligious dialogue. It also reinforces the president’s image as an open and respectful leader of different beliefs within the country.
This visit is also an opportunity to promote the cultural and spiritual wealth of Nkamba, which is a major place of pilgrimage for Kimbanguists. Local authorities worked in collaboration with the government to ensure the security and organization of the event, thus allowing the faithful to live this experience in the best conditions.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba represents a strong symbol of recognition towards the Kimbanguist Church and marks a step towards interreligious dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This move illustrates the importance of religious diversity in the country and underlines the government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence between different faiths.