In a recent interview broadcast on the Catholic television channel KTO, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, Fridolin Ambongo, addressed the question of the involvement of the Catholic Church in the political life of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to him, the Church cannot remain neutral in the face of the actions of political actors, because this would amount to siding with the powerful to the detriment of the most vulnerable.
Archbishop Ambongo stressed that the Catholic Church, just like Jesus Christ, has never adopted a posture of neutrality when the rights of citizens are violated. Indeed, the Church has always been alongside the Congolese people in their quest for dignity and justice. This position may disturb those who exercise power to the detriment of the well-being of the people, but the Church remains faithful to its mission of supporting the most deprived.
Since the 1950s, the Catholic Church in the DRC has played a crucial role as mediator in many political conflicts. She does not hesitate to intervene when democracy and fundamental rights are not respected by leaders. For example, during the 2016 elections under the regime of Joseph Kabila, the Church actively worked for the establishment of a transitional government and the organization of free and transparent elections.
Even today, the Catholic Church continues to play a vigilant role against the power in place. Critical of the administration of Félix Tshisekedi, she constantly reminds us of the importance of respecting democratic principles and human rights. This independent and committed position sometimes means it is perceived as being in the political opposition, but it remains faithful to its evangelical mission of defending the weakest.
Thus, the Catholic Church in the DRC asserts itself as a major actor in society, committed to justice and the dignity of all citizens. His political commitment is part of an approach of solidarity and defense of evangelical values, in the service of the common good and social justice.
For more information on the role of the Catholic Church in the DRC, I invite you to consult the following articles:
– “The Catholic Church and politics in the DRC: a commitment to justice” – [link to article]
– “Archbishop Fridolin Ambongo: a tireless defender of the rights of the most vulnerable” – [link to article]
– “The Congolese Catholic Church: a voice of truth and freedom for the people” – [link to article]
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