Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - "Politics is the privileged field for the exercise of the apostolate and of charity," said Bishop Louis Mbwol, Bishop Emeritus of Idiofa, Democratic Republic of Congo, in the closing speech of the 4th "Atelier National des Acteurs Politiques Catholiques" organized by the Bishops' Commission on Lay Apostolate (CEAL), May 7 to 9. Bishop Mbwol stressed that the Christian involved in politics should be motivated primarily by love for others.
This year, the meeting has taken on a particular meaning as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. The anniversary has been recalled by Sister Claire Mbuya Banzi, writer and coordinator of the Foundation "Rive Malula," in her speech entitled: "Beyond the 50th Anniversary, The Challenge of Responsible Citizenship: From the Struggle for the Triumph of Values to the Rejection of Corruption.
"The time has come – the speaker said – to answer the question on how the Congolese Christian must act to serve the country and resist corruption."
The coordinator of the Foundation "Rive Malula" wanted to overcome the rhetoric of the 50th anniversary celebration, noting the difficulties with which the Congolese population is struggling, despite the enormous potential of the Congo. "Our country is defined as a geological scandal, but the Congo is listed as among the poorest and most indebted countries in the world. The Congo River is one of the longest in Africa, not counting the other lakes and rivers, but most of the Congolese taps are dry for months and where the water flows it is not potable."
This situation, Sister Claire Mbuya Banzi recalled, stems from the lack of an ethical vision on the part of politicians. "To govern, you must have a vision that goes towards the good of the people you serve; it requires a person of high quality, with love for their country and its people."
This is an echo of the call to holiness in political life already mentioned in the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/05/2010)
