Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides)- The Catholic Archbishop of Kisangani, Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa delivered the closing discourse at a National Symposium organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of D.R. Congo (CENCO), on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the declaration of independence in Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C). The Symposium was held 9 - 12 June at the Catholic University of Congo (see Fides 7/6/2010).
The new Congo will be founded on ethics and gospel values, said Archbishop Utembi, who was speaking on behalf of the President of the Bishops' Conference, Bishop Nicolas Djomo of the diocese of Tshumbe.
Archbishop Utembi promised that when drafting pastoral plans the Bishops would take the Symposium findings and proposals into consideration.
At the end of the meeting the participants affirmed that independence remains an ongoing task, and its challenges demand discernment on the part of both the Church and the government. Challenges call for appropriate catechesis, formation of the laity and renewed efforts to promote democracy. The Church is committed, as in the past, to assuring education and formation for young people.
Before declaring the meeting closed, the general secretary of the Bishops' Conference Fr. Léonard Santedi, asked those present to join him in a minute of silence followed by a prayer in memory of all those who worked to evangelise the Democratic Republic of Congo, bishops, priests, men and women religious, catechists and all the victims of war in these past 50 years. Fr. Santedi ended the prayer with a request to almighty God to give the country holy political leaders ready to work for the development of the nation, and who strive to be, in the light of the faith, the salt and the light of the world. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/6/2010)
