Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – "Our beloved country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, is celebrating the golden jubilee of its independence. The Congolese people are called to use all their energies to reconstruct its identity and establish a new social order which can respond to their deepest aspirations," said the Bishops of Congo in a message sent to Fides, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the country's independence, which is celebrated today, June 30.
In recalling the 50 years of national history, the bishops give thanks to God for the work of missionaries and "because the Church, Family of God in the DRC, has during the past 50 years been at the service of the Congolese people through the proclamation of the Gospel and its multiform action geared towards the integral development and salvation of man."
On a political and social plain, the message notes that the hopes born with the independence (achieved without a war of decolonization) have not been met. Bishops speak openly of a "shattered dream" and "missed opportunities" arising primarily from "a vision and a practice of politics contrary to the ideals of independence and a democratic society." The bishops noted in particular that the first 50 years of history in the independent Congo have been characterized "by violence and atrocious, destructive wars. The last decade has seen the incalculable consequences of armed conflicts that have bloodied the entire nation. We will never forget the millions of deaths, victims of wars, or the millions of displaced persons."
"The Catholic Church itself has been wounded in many of its members and its structures. She has shared the fate of the Congolese people, sharing in their sufferings as well: bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful have shown their love for this people, paying with their lives," says the message.
Bishops call for greater security with the creation of a truly national army "capable of defending the people and territorial integrity of the country,” and the strengthening of the judicial system.
On an economic level, the bishops denounce the poverty in which most Congolese are forced to live as a consequence of an economic policy that "does not place the Congolese person at the center of its concerns,” and instead pursues the work of stripping the country's enormous natural resources for the benefit of foreign interests.
In order for the DRC to emerge from this situation, the bishops are calling on Catholics to make commitments on a social, political, and economic level, reminding politicians to serve the people, stressing the vital role of education in shaping a new mindset based on respect for the common good and keeping one's word, the value of hard work, love of work, and patriotism.
On the occasion of the national jubilee, finally, "the Church calls for the release of political prisoners and the erection of a memorial in Kinshasa and in each province, for our millions of victims of the violence that has been carried out in a blind and merciless manner upon a large proportion of the population." (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 30/06/2010)
