DRCONGO: The Diocese of Goma Celebrates 100 Years of Evangelisation

A three-day conference to mark 100 years of the evangelisation of Goma Catholic diocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo, last week in the town of Goma. Among other issues the participants discussed reconciliation, consecrated life, inter-religious dialogue and sustainable development. Goma has been the scene of civil conflict since the 1990s. In 1994 it accommodated millions of Rwandans who fled after the genocide. The conference was opened by Fr. Bernard Ugeux, a member of the Missionaries of Africa and a professor of Theology at the University of Toulouse in France. He said reconciliation was important because many people were hurt by the wars that have taken place in the area. Besides, he noted, reconciliation heals the heart and unites the people. Responding to those who insist on justice only, he said justice will not yield good fruits if not accompanied by reconciliation. The diocese of Goma was created in 1959 by Pope John the 23rd. Its current Bishop is the Rt. Rev. Theophile Kaboy Ruboneka. It has about two million inhabitants, 40% of whom are catholic.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo held an emergency meeting last week to discuss the post-election situation. Last month the country’s electoral commission declared President Joseph Kabila winner of the presidential election held in November. The results were disputed by the opposition led by Etienne Tshisekedi. Violence erupted in different parts of the country. Mr. Kabila was sworn in on December 20th. Tshisekedi was sworn in also as president three days later by his supporters. In the document circulated to catholic parishes after the bishop’s meeting, the church leaders called for an end to violence and for dialogue between the political groupings in the country. They also called for a review of the results of the election, proposing that it should be carried out in a specified time limit by an international commission approved by the government and the opposition. They proposed also that, for the good of the country, president Kabila could share power with Mr. Tshisekedi. The bishops called upon Catholics to play an active role in promoting peace and not to take part in violent activities.
John Baptist TUMUSIIME, Vatican Radio/English-Africa