Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides)- “The formation of young people and support for the family are the main concern of the Catholic Church in the Republic of Congo” Bishop Louis Portella Mbuyu of Kinkala and President of the Bishops' Conference of the Republic of Congo in Rome for their ad limina visit.
“It is necessary to see from the Church's point of view the present situation of our country which faces problems due to three civil wars in the past 15 years and more recently to the consequences of a long period of Marxism which left deep scars, particularly on young people” Bishop Portella told Fides.
“Our principal concern therefore is the formation of the laity, adults and young people. We need to educate future cadres who will be in decision making positions” the Bishop said. “Besides this we are also determined to support the family, the first place of education. We must build a family capable of helping children to grow humanly, spiritually and morally”.
One major pastoral challenge is the diffusion of religious sects. “In recent years- Bishop Portella said- “ evangelical sects, many which come originally from the United States, are invading the country and our people are easily attracted to follow these religious currents. The only response is sound formation for the laity and for the clergy and bishops to be closer to the people. Our communities must be more united so that people are not isolated and will not be dragged away by the propaganda of these movements”.
“Formation is also necessary for the clergy” Bishop Portella continues. “Vocations are increasing and we need qualified teachers in our seminaries to help the future priests mature on the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral level. In Congo we have 400 priests, a good number, but not enough. Many are young and they must be accompanied on their priestly path”.
Congo Brazzaville is a poor country rich in resources, especially petroleum. The local Catholic Church has always worked to promote greater social justice. “In 2002”- Bishop Portella recalls - we organised a study seminar on the use of oil profits for the common good. And we launched a message to the national suggesting solutions for better sharing of the nation's riches. We asked for greater transparency in management of oil revenues. At first there was some misunderstanding in certain political sectors which thought the Church was meddling in things which were not her business. But gradually our message was accepted by the government and there is more opening and transparency. A special commission was formed with among its members Church representatives and members of the “Publish what you Pay”, coalition, after overcoming many obstacles"
“Publish what you pay” movement calls on multinational oil companies to publish what they pay governments for oil. “Social justice is a dramatic problem in our country: 70% of the people live below the poverty line. As the Church we must be give more attention to this drama” the president of the Congolese Bishops concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/10/2007 righe 43 parole 578)
