A pastoral letter for Anabaptists in DR Congo

Beloved sisters and brothers

**Jump to 22 February update **

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
—Romans 12:15

We received a request for prayer from our leaders in DR Congo.

Pastor Jean-Pierre Muya, president of MWC member church Communauté Mennonite de Congo (CMCo), writes: “This is a difficult time in our country. Please continue to pray for the restoration of peace and for the injured.”

We recognize how the resource-rich eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced ongoing violence and conflict for years, exacerbated by natural disasters.

And we hear how, in late January, the M23 army escalated fighting and seized Congolese territory in the Great Lakes region, including the city of Goma, and are threatening to march on the capital Kinshasa in the west. More than 700 people have been killed and 3 000 wounded.

We are concerned for the hundreds of thousands of people who have been internally displaced. Food and water, medicines and electricity are in short supply and prices are high.

Pastor Kimbila Antoine, president of MWC member church Conférence des Églises des Fréres Mennonites au Congo (CEFMC) writes that the church has six congregations in Goma out of its 34 congregations in the East region, with a membership of more than 4 000. “The Mennonite brothers and sisters in our churches have been crying out every day since the hostilities began,” he writes.

We pray for wisdom, resources and clear pathways as the church devises strategies to assist.

“God remains our only hope, for he is able to give us peace through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace,” writes Jean Felix Cimbalanga, president of MWC member church Communauté Evangélique Mennonite (CEM).

“Thank you very much for your prayers on our behalf,” writes pastor Kimbila Antoine.

We cry out with our brothers and sisters for God’s mercy on DR Congo.

• We pray for peace: for not only a stop to violence for also for the conditions of shalom where neighbours are reconciled to neighbours and all can flourish.
• We call on our communities to seek justice for DR Congo and to engage our political systems in so doing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.

---

Update: 22 February 2025

Please continue to pray for DR Congo and send words of solidarity to the Anabaptist brothers and sisters there.

The situation in DRC continues to worsen. The Rwanda-based M23 army has taken more territory in the East, raising concerns of escalation into a regional war. The UN estimates more than 50 000 refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries fleeing the humanitarian crisis. There are reports of grave human rights violations including sexual violence and civilian massacre.

We received a report from a Mennonite Brethren (CEFMC) pastor who fled for his safety. His church building was appropriated by DRC government troops, then taken by the M23 forces with accusations of partisanship. His family has been separated; communication is difficult.

Mennonites are providing support in his new location.

Leaders of MWC member church Kanisa la Menonite Tanzania write this encouragement (read full letter in the comments box in English only):

“As members of Christ’s body, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with you in prayer, solidarity and action. The church is called to be a refuge for the weary, a shelter for the displaced and a voice for the voiceless.

“We urge leaders, nations, and all people of goodwill to pursue peace, reconciliation and justice…

“We call upon the global community to provide humanitarian aid, protection and pathways for peace.

“… Comfort the grieving, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the dignity of every human being. Your faith, courage, and resilience testify to the power of God’s love, which no war can destroy.”

Leaders of MWC member church Meserete Kristos Church write (more in comments box):

“The love of Christ compels us to be peacemakers, to extend grace, and to work for justice with humility and faith. In the midst of trials, may you find strength in his promises (Isaiah 40:31).

“Know that you are not alone. We are lifting you up in prayer, asking the Lord to strengthen and sustain you.”

Pray for good working relations and clear pathways as global Mennonites plan inter-agency responses.

We invite you – as individuals, congregations or national churches – to respond to the cries of our brothers and sisters with prayers, messages of solidarity that will be conveyed to church leaders. We call for the courage to love through actions that advocate for an end to violence.

Donations can be made to the Global Church Sharing Fund with a designation for the church in Congo.