KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — Members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) have reaffirmed their prophetic mission, pledging not to remain silent in the face of the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued following their March 23–25 extraordinary Plenary Assembly in the Catholic Archdiocese of Kinshasa, CENCO members emphasized their unwavering commitment to speaking out against injustice.
"Our goal is to contribute, among other things, to the promotion of the inalienable dignity of the human person and to the well-being of the Congolese people. Therefore, in the face of the degrading security and humanitarian situation of our country, we will not be silent," the Catholic leaders said in their message issued March 26.
Referencing the message of the late Pope Francis during his apostolic visit to the DRC, the bishops recalled the moral obligation of the Church to speak out.
"As Pope Francis said during his apostolic journey in our country, the Church cannot remain indifferent or silent in the face of the injustices and the pain that strike the populations," CENCO members said.
They reaffirmed the autonomy of both the Church and the political community while highlighting their shared responsibility in serving society.
"Certainly, the political community and the Church are independent from each other and autonomous in the domain that is theirs, but they are called to collaborate, because both are at the service of the personal and social vocation of the same men," the bishops said.
They insisted on the Church's right to address moral issues, including those related to politics, when human dignity is at stake.
"The Church therefore has the right to preach faith in all freedom, to teach social doctrine without any hindrance, to make a moral judgment, even on matters that concern political order, when the fundamental rights of the human person and the salvation of souls require it," they said.
Amid ongoing instability in the country, the bishops called for peaceful solutions grounded in dialogue.
"Concerned with peace and the sacredness of human life, we are convinced that dialogue is superior to war," they said.
Quoting Pope Francis, they added: "War is always a failure of politics and humanity, a shameful capitulation."
The bishops also underscored the importance of initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence.
"Thus, let us remember the relevance of the Social Pact for Peace and Living Together in DRC and in the Great Lakes region, not to be confused with a dialogue aimed at sharing power," they said.
They cautioned against efforts to undermine the Church's unity and mission, saying: "We are well aware that some people turn to discrediting our mission, to sow discord between us, or to engage us in some kind of religious war."
They urged Catholics and all people of goodwill to remain vigilant and guided by virtue.
"We exhort our faithful Catholics, women and men of goodwill, to discernment, to prudence, and to benevolence," they said.
As Christians prepare for Easter, the bishops extended a message of hope and prayer, saying: "As Easter approaches, may the Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, bless the DRC and its people."
This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.
