** Kinshasa, May 18, 2025: the call to an inclusive and frank speech at the heart of the Baptist community of the Congo River **
On May 18, the community of Mombele in Limete, located in the heart of Kinshasa, was the scene of a significant installation ceremony for two pastors from the Baptist community of the Congo River (CBFC). During this event, the Reverend Philémon Mompaka highlighted the importance of preaching the word of God “without complacency”, a declaration which deserves an in -depth reflection in the current socio -political and religious context of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
### A call for equality of messages
The Reverend Mompaka sermon highlighted a central conviction: the Word of God is universal and should not be modulated according to the social status of the faithful. This inclusive approach raises essential questions about how religious messages can be adapted to reach a diversified audience while respecting the integrity of lessons. In a country where socio-economic disparities are marked, such a discourse advocates a form of spiritual equality which, if put into practice, could promote the unification of the different segments of Congolese society.
### The role of pastors in front of their faithful
The Reverend Mompaka also urged pastors to monitor their conduct in order to serve as examples for the faithful. This responsibility underlines a fundamental aspect of pastoral life: the transparency and the morality of religious leaders. In a context where distrust of the elites can be palpable, the behavior of pastors could potentially influence the confidence of the faithful towards the religious institution itself. This dynamic raises the question of the training and preparation of religious leaders in a country still marked by economic, political and social challenges.
### A woman at the head of a church
Pasteur Anne Marie Mongou, who was installed during the same ceremony, expressed her loyalty to community regulations and her desire to preserve the doctrine. Her presence as a pastor woman in a tradition often dominated by male figures is significant. It represents a possible evolution in the perception of women in roles of religious leadership in the DRC. Could this change encourage other women to engage in similar ways and broaden the scope of the female voice in the religious sphere?
### The problem of obedience and submission
Another aspect mentioned during the ceremony is that of obedience and respect which should be granted to pastors by the faithful. Although this notion may seem beneficial to maintain harmony within the Church, it also raises ethical concerns. How far is this obedience without questioning? It may be essential to explore how churches can encourage a constructive dialogue between the leaders and the faithful, while respecting the freedom of thought which is intrinsic to the individual faith.
### Conclusion: towards a collective reflection
The Mombele ceremony illustrates the complexity of religious issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the messages advocated may seem like a call to unity and integrity, it is essential to encourage critical reflection on the way in which these ideals can be translated into concrete actions in the life of the community.
Beyond a solemn installation, this event invites us all to envisage a church which not only preaches without complacency, but which, by its example, promotes a more inclusive, fairer, and truly united society in its diversity. Religious leaders, by cultivating an environment where the Word of God is preached for all, have a precious opportunity to guide their community towards an ethics of responsibility, mutual respect and open dialogue.