# Strengthen the voice of the Catholic Church in Kinshasa: between commitment and reflection
On May 26, 2025, a significant event was planned in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a meeting convened by the metropolitan archbishop, involving parish priests, diocesan officials and various pastoral agents. This rally, which will take place in the parish of Notre Dame d’Afrique in Lemba, raises questions about the role that the Catholic Church can play in the country’s current socio-political context.
## Context and issues
The Democratic Republic of Congo, often described as a country rich in resources but faced with considerable socio-economic and political challenges, is at a critical crossroads. In this complex landscape, the Catholic Church has traditionally occupied a preponderant place. It is perceived not only as a religious actor, but also as a social group capable of promoting values such as peace and reconciliation in a country often torn by internal conflicts.
The Lemba meeting is thus perceived as a moment of gathering to discuss the mission of the church within the community, and to reflect on how to strengthen this voice. In doing so, priests and diocesan officials will have the opportunity to assess the means to promote constructive dialogue with the faithful, and between the different components of civil society.
## A peace campaign
In parallel, the announcement of the awareness campaign “I am Catholic, I plead for peace”, scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2025, marks a clear intention of the Church to take a stand for peace. Initiated by Father Jean Marie Munketalangi, this campaign aims to mobilize Catholics around a powerful message, claiming that Catholic identity is intrinsically linked to peaceful values.
The question then arises: how can this campaign contribute to the adoption of peaceful behavior in a context where distrust and conflicts are frequent? Can awareness campaigns really lead to a change in mentality or collective behavior, or are symbolic gestures? Can the Church ‘commitment to promote peace also serve as a model for other institutions or social movements in the country?
## Perspectives and challenges
It is undeniable that the Catholic Church in Kinshasa has considerable legitimacy and influence. However, this role must be constantly adapted to socio -political developments. The distrust between the different religious and ethnic communities could require a particular focus on interconfessional dialogue, and therefore, on the need to include actors of other beliefs in peace approaches.
Refounding this dynamic of peace also requires questioning the fundamental values of Catholicism in a global framework. How can these values be implemented concretely at the local level? The parishes then become social initiative laboratories. Parish officials could explore partnerships with NGOs or government bodies to strengthen the impact of their actions.
## Conclusion
Through these initiatives, the Catholic Church in Kinshasa takes a step towards a necessary dialogue in favor of peace and reconciliation. However, a real transformation involves a critical examination of existing structures and the adoption of new approaches that take into account the realities on the ground. In short, upcoming events could offer a framework to strengthen not only the voice of the Church, but also its role as an agent of change within a company in search of stability and harmony.
This article asks fundamental questions about the potential and challenges that the Church must take up to assert itself as a force of peace in a vulnerable society. The path will undoubtedly be strewn with pitfalls, but it is through commitment and awareness that listening and mutual understanding can be favored.