As war intensified in eastern Congo, United Methodist leaders faced a difficult decision: How to conduct church business while keeping everyone safe.
The Congo Central Conference, originally scheduled for March 30 to April 4 in Kindu, is now set for July 10 to 13 in Kitwe, Zambia. The central conference will officially be renamed the Mid-Africa Central Conference when it meets in July.
Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, Congo Central Conference College of Bishops president, announced the decision, which was made after intensive consultations between the college of bishops and the Council of Bishops.
The postponement and relocation of these meetings to another country are due to persistent security concerns in eastern Congo. The capture of Goma and Bukavu by the rebels of the March 23 (M23) Movement, supported by the Rwandan army, mark a significant escalation in the conflict. The events have led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of displaced civilians and heavy loss of life.
United Methodists have stepped up calls for peace and providing humanitarian aid. North Katanga Area Bishop Mande Muyombo said United Methodist bishops from Congo are involved in peace initiatives undertaken through the Church of Christ in Congo, of which The United Methodist Church is a member, in collaboration with the National Episcopal Conference of Congo of the Roman Catholic Church.
But United Methodist leaders also scrambled to come up with a new plan for a central conference session, slated to elect three new bishops.
The new dates mean the central conference won’t take place until more than a year after last year’s General Conference, but Unda stressed the importance of safety and logistics in this crucial decision.
“We took this decision after examining all the possibilities in terms of logistics, security and the smooth running and organization of the Congo Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia,” he said. “It is clear that the safety of the participants and our guests is a top priority. We have worked hard to ensure a safe and conducive environment for this important meeting for the future of The United Methodist Church in the central conference.”
The bishop also stressed the importance of the solidarity and understanding of members of The United Methodist Church in the face of these adjustments.
“Your understanding and support at this time is essential,” he said. He called for unity and collective support so that the central conference could be held in the best possible conditions, despite the challenges encountered.
Unda encouraged members of The United Methodist Church to pray for the region. “Let us continue to pray for peace and stability in our countries, and for the success of this session of our central conference,” he urged.
Henoc Mwenze Malenge, secretary general of the Congo Central Conference, also commented on the rescheduling.
He said that “each head of delegation is requested to circulate this information widely among the delegates of his annual conference.”
He added: “Let us continue to pray for peace and stability in our countries, and for a successful session of our central conference.”
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Londe is a UM News correspondent based in Congo.
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