The emergence and proliferation of churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo are sparking lively debates within society and among authorities. The issue of freedom of religion is thus confronted with major challenges, including the need to ensure effective supervision of this booming sector.
At the heart of the discussions, the correlation between the phenomenon of church creation and the socio-economic context of the country appears to be a central element. Indeed, several experts highlight the link between high unemployment and the creation of opportunistic churches aimed at benefiting from the faithful’s offerings. This trend towards the multiplication of places of worship also seems to be encouraged by a lack of regulation and control in the granting of religious authorizations.
Faced with this situation, voices are being raised to demand stricter measures from the authorities. Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Jamapia, legal representative of the Church of Awakening of Congo, advocates government action to stimulate job creation in order to stem the anarchic proliferation of churches. This proposal raises a key question: how can freedom of religion be reconciled with the need to regulate a booming sector?
Recent initiatives taken by the Ministry of Justice and Keeper of the Seals to regulate this phenomenon, such as the requirement to obtain a religious permit prior to any church installation, mark a first step towards stricter regulation. However, challenges remain regarding the concrete implementation of these measures and the coordination of the various actors in the religious sector.
At the same time, civil society and academics, such as Professor Michel Bisa, are calling for increased reflection on the governance of the religious sector in the DRC. The creation of consultation and monitoring bodies, such as a Governance Observatory, could be an interesting avenue for ensuring effective regulation that respects fundamental freedoms.
Ultimately, the issue of the proliferation of churches in the DRC highlights complex issues that combine individual freedom, the economic dimension and regulatory imperatives. A balanced approach, combining consultation between the stakeholders concerned and targeted government actions, appears essential to guarantee a stable framework that respects the diversity of beliefs in the country.