In the predominantly rural eastern region of Congo, where access to basic services is a challenge, the training of pastors’ wives has gone beyond a purely religious framework to address hygiene, interpersonal skills and economic empowerment.
Fono Lohalo, president of the Pastors’ Wives Association for the East Congo Conference, emphasized the importance of this social aspect.
Subscribe to our
e-newsletter
“We are called upon to organize awareness sessions on nutrition and disease prevention,” she said. “We must also initiate income-generating activities, such as crafts, agriculture and micro-savings, to improve the living conditions of our families and the congregation.”
In some contexts where access to school is limited, these trained wives even become literacy advocates, opening new opportunities for younger generations.
Bishop Kalema expressed his gratitude to Global Ministries for the support that made this training possible.
“Investing in the training of pastors’ wives is investing in the future of a strong and transformed church,” he said.
Yanga is director of communications for the East Congo Episcopal Area.
News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.
