### The desecration incident at the Saint Joseph Artisan parish: a reflection on the faith and the security of the places of worship in Kisangani
The recent incident that occurred at the Saint Joseph Artisan parish of Kisangani, reported in the press release from Archbishop Marcel Utembi, raises questions about the security of religious spaces, the spiritual health of communities, and the way in which society manages such acts of symbolic violence. Indeed, the desecration of the place of worship, which took place on May 19, already has notable repercussions on the local community and attracts attention as to the challenges faced by religious institutions in a volcanic socio -political context.
The act committed by an individual named Sylvecien, which includes the displacement of the altar Bible, the consumption of holy species and the destruction of religious images, undoubtedly shocked the faithful and the authorities. In immediate reaction, the archbishop has chosen to close the parish until further notice, a decision that testifies to a desire to protect the sanctuary and to reflect on the devastating impact that such acts can have within a community that seeks refuge and meaning through faith.
### Profination: an attack on spiritual life
Monsignor Utembi condemned this “firmness” desecration, stressing that such events leave an indelible imprint on the spiritual life of the faithful. The declaration of the archbishop nevertheless raises a crucial question: how to react to an act which not only undermines a sacred space, but which remains symptomatic of a deeper social discomfort?
The words of the archbishop on the impact of the incident on freedom of thought, conscience, and of religion resonate with broader concerns leading to a reflection on the security of the spaces of worship in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a country where acts of violence and intimidation towards religious groups and institutions are increasingly frequent, the question of the protection of these places becomes essential.
#### The Legal Framework of Provination Acts
Based on the Congolese penal code, the archbishop spoke of the offenses and sorrows incurred by the author of this desecration, ranging from 10 years for flight to 1 year for nasty destruction. These provisions highlight the importance of justice in the response to such acts, but also raises the question of the means implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
The acts of sanctuary and desecration, although they are treated legal, should also encourage deeper reflections on the strengthening of community values and education on respect for the beliefs of others. Perhaps it would be relevant to pay more increased attention to the awareness of young people to the values of tolerance and respect in communities where faith plays a central role.
#### Towards a community response
Beyond legal measures, it can be beneficial to encourage a dialogue within communities on the role of places of worship and spirituality. The closure of the parish and the displacement of the masses outside in front of the Marian cave illustrate the resilience of the community in the face of adversity, but that should not hide underlying pain. How can the faithful rebuild a place of worship after such an affront? What conversations can be engaged to promote spiritual healing and interreligious dialogue?
In conclusion, the Saint Joseph Artisan parish incident is not limited to a simple desecration, but opens a crucial debate on the socio -political tensions that inhabit the DRC, the 40 million believers in this country, and the importance of the protection of human rights in all its aspects. Faith, as a fundamental element of personal and collective identity, deserves to be respected and protected, not only by law, but also by community initiatives aimed at strengthening solidarity and harmony between different beliefs and practices within society.