Despite the violence and destruction caused by wars, the Church has played a central role in the process of spiritual reconstruction. The Catholic, Protestant, and Pentecostal Churches have taken on a significant part of humanitarian aid and provided a space of comfort. This role of mediation and support has not only been spiritual but also social, offering reconciliation programs.

In his aforementioned work, Van Reybrouck highlights how religious institutions have paradoxically strengthened their influence during times of crisis. Their ability to maintain a constant presence, despite challenges, has played a crucial role in preserving moral and spiritual order in fractured societies.

Churches have also had to adapt to new realities. They have redefined their evangelization methods to respond to immediate needs. However, as Ndaywel points out, the Church has also faced internal challenges, including the fragmentation of Christian communities and theological divisions. These divisions have weakened the Church’s unity, making it difficult to provide a coherent response to the multiple crises faced by the population.

The Former Kivu, comprising the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Maniema, is distinguished by its varied topography, mountains, lakes, and dense forests. Located at the border of Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, this strategic region is also vulnerable to political and military instabilities, impacting the spiritual life of communities and influencing evangelization dynamics.

The Decline of Traditional Christian Practice.

A notable phenomenon following the conflicts is the decline of traditional Christian practices. This decline has been fueled by a certain disenchantment with religious institutions, deemed too disconnected from the realities of Congolese daily life. The traditional Christian message often seemed too distant from the suffering experienced by local populations.

According to Van Reybrouck, the isolation of the traditional Church in the face of violent events contributed to the rise of new forms of religiosity, particularly charismatic movements, which promised a more immediate response to the spiritual and material needs of the people.

However, these new forms of faith have posed their own challenge. As Ndaywel notes, they have not always managed to integrate coherently with the Christian message, sometimes promoting questionable practices or even sectarian deviations…

This text is an excerpt from the book “RE-EVANGELIZING THE EAST OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO” written by Dr. Valéry Kitwana Shibari.

We invite you to read the following article “THE CONFLICT RESPONSE PHASE (1990-2000)”.

The Resilience Of The Church. The Resilience Of The Church.