Buta diocese in Democratic Congo is in the north eastern part of the country under rebel control. In an interview with DIA a local Catholic news service, Bishop Joseph Banga says that his church is a Church in great difficulty and suffering, due to ongoing war in this area.

In an interview with a local Catholic news agency DIA Bishop Banga says that nevertheless the Church shows great dynamism and generosity and sharing of troubles through parish groups and basic communities. Tragic events help the people mature and become free, Bishop Banga said, stressing the good relations between Catholics and the rest of the population in the diocese. Here is our English translation of the interview originally in French:

Kinshasa, July 22, 2002 DIA

Bishop Banga please tell us about the life of the people, Catholics and others, in your diocese of Buta in territory occupied by the rebels

Bishop Banga: The entire population is effected by this context of war, and suffers greatly. The region is an enclave caught up in two recent wars. The means of communication have deteriorated. This means it is difficult to take the products of their labour to markets, farm produce for example. They are forced to sell them locally but at lower prices. They earn enough too little and are unable to pay for school fees,
medical treatment, to buy clothes and other consumer goods. Continued warfare has worsened the situation of poverty and for many people the future is not bright. But at the same time I see these people as a free people. Suffering changes people, makes them more discerning. I think this is why they never join the fighting sides. They are clearly against all war. Our people are also very courageous and creative, finding all sorts of ways of surviving in such drastic situations in which they are totally abandoned by the public authorities.

What is the situation of the local Church?

The Church is made up of these people who suffer and the Church herself suffers because so many of her members live in poverty and she has no means of helping them. But nevertheless the Church is very active. Our Small Christian Communities show great solidarity with those who are in most in need. For example for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, Christians organised great gatherings for a number of parishes together. People came from all over the area and the local families collected money and goods to take care of 300 people every week. They did this simply by sharing what they have, welcoming the pilgrims into their homes. This was a great experience of brotherhood and responsibility. Another example is that collections increased when it was thought people had nothing left to give. This means the Church is the palace of hope in a society where there is not other point of reference which inspires confidence.

What message is this local Church?

The message we try to give is the following. In the midst of suffering and poverty the people become more aware of what they can do for themselves and for others, more aware of God's gifts, human intelligence, nature. In a situation where the aim seems to be to discourage people and drive them to despair, the Church works to give people reasons for hope, encouraging to work for a better future. The Church's message is the Gospel, and this is the most precious treasure of all.

What is the role of church personnel in this difficult situation?

Our priests and religious men and women are close to the peoples sharing their joys and problems. They try to serve their brothers and sisters at this difficult time in the best possible way, but it must be said that they are few, not enough to meet all the needs of the people. They work under very difficult conditions and with very reduced means. But the essential thing is to be a sign that the Church is present with the people and this is something the people appreciate.

What is the place of active lay Catholics, catechists in your diocese?

When I first became Bishop and I was asked about the place that lay people would have in the diocese I replied jokingly: "They will stay where they are". My questioners were taken by surprise. I explained that I was referring to lay persons who are mothers and fathers, school teachers, shop keepers, policemen, farmers etc. If in all these different fields they live good Christian lives then the whole Church will benefit and so will society. It is from these different fields that the Church can call on them to put their qualities at the service of the community. The Church gives them certain responsibilities, as catechists, community leaders etc. From this point of view lay people can do great pastoral work in their own context, guaranteeing daily prayer services in their villages. I refer mainly to our catechists and members of what we call in Buta diocese Action groups, Legion of Mary. Bilenge Ya Mwinda, Charismatic Renewal, Kizito-Anoalte group, as well as members of parish councils. In the work of lay Catholics I would underline in particular that of teachers who devote themselves to teaching children in a context in which the state is practically absent on the level of education. With better spiritual care and formation I am sure that all these categories of lay Catholics will be able to take responsibility for their Church from every point of view: material, in apostolic personnel. They will foster vocations to the priesthood and the religious life and build Christian families in which the Gospel values are cherished and lived. They are the Church, the People of God, the Family of God in the diocese of Buta (DIA Catholic news agency).

Africa D. Congo - Buta diocese (Church's Year Book)
Area 60,000 sq. km., population 259,000; Catholics 189,850; parishes 17; priests diocesan 24, religious 7; major seminarians 6; brothers 9; Sisters 53; schools 100 of various grades; charitable institutes 56. (Fides Service 24/7/2002)