Catholic Laity in DR Congo’s Kananga Archdiocese Rally Behind Embattled Archbishop amid Attacks following Call for Unity

The Catholic laity also condemned what they describe as campaigns of defamation, intimidation, and manipulation targeting the Archbishop.

“We condemn every campaign of denigration, defamation, intimidation, or manipulation of public opinion directed against our Shepherd. Nothing can justify personal attacks, insults, or threats against a pastor who carries out his ministry in communion with the Congolese episcopate,” they said.

The lay leaders also rejected attempts by individuals and groups to claim they represent Catholics in the Archdiocese without authorization from Church authorities.

“No one has the right to claim to represent the Catholic faithful outside the structures recognized by the Church,” they stated.

While reaffirming their communion with the Church, the signatories distinguished their civic role as citizens from the Church’s official teaching on political matters.

They said that, as Congolese citizens and lay members of the faithful, they have the right to participate in political life and to promote justice, peace, and the common good.

Regarding ongoing discussions on constitutional reform in the DRC, they said any revision or amendment of the Constitution should take place through democratic institutions and the mechanisms provided for by the Constitution.

“In a spirit of civic responsibility, we express our support for opening a calm, inclusive, and law-abiding national debate on this issue in pursuit of the supreme interest of the Nation,” the Catholic lay leaders said

They emphasized, “This is our position. It does not in any way seek to commit the Catholic Church or replace the teaching or official positions of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO).”

The Catholic lay leaders also warned against politicizing the Catholic faith or using the Church for partisan purposes.