Democratic Republic of the Congo, continued
The Rev. Dr. William Sheppard was a tireless advocate for the people of Congo.
This article was written by the regional liaison for Central Africa, Jeff Boyd.
Faithfulness to the gospel drove early missionaries, most notably the Rev. Drs. William Sheppard and William Morrison, to cry passionately for justice in the land claimed by King Leopold of Belgium. Sheppard and Morrison ardently campaigned to publicize the atrocities committed by the colonizing power as it exploited the riches of the Congo. Through persistence their work eventually brought changes, albeit not full justice.
The BBC has called the current situation in Congo possibly the worst emergency to unfold in Africa in recent decades. Despite an estimated 5.5 million deaths related to the armed conflicts in Congo, more than any war since World War II, we hear very little about it. After years of relative silence, major news services finally began to report on the environment of impunity in the violence against women.
Our Congolese brothers ask us to advocate on their behalf before the United States government and international organizations. Convicted by faith, honoring the example set by Sheppard and Morrison, and building on efforts from within the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia, a small group of Presbyterians has been advocating for justice in the Congo. Associated with the Presbyterian Congo mission network, this group has cried out in Washington, asking that our government use its influence in a positive way to bring an end to fighting in the Congo, to support a free and fair electoral process, and to promote the importance of education for the well-being of the country. Congolese Presbyterians invite us to join them as they strive to experience the fullness of life that God desires for each of us.
Partners/Ministries
Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa(CPK): Rev. Tshimungu Mayele, president communautaire, Rev. Samuel Kabambi Dijinda Lukusa, vice president, Rev. Emmanuel Kande Tshimala, moderator
Presbyterian Community of Congo (CPC): Dr. Mulumba M. Mukundi, general secretary
Université Protestante au Congo: Rev. Dr. Ngoy Boliya, dean
Presbytery Partnerships
New Castle Presbytery, New Hope Presbytery, Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, and Presbytery of Whitewater Valley with the CPC; Presbytery of Eastern Virginia with the CPK
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Laura Bryan, GAC
Nikki Bryant, BOP
Ervin Bullock, GAC
Forgive us, O God, for indifference or ignorance that keeps us from striving for the just and full life that you desire for all your creation. We pray that you continue to sustain the hope of the Congolese people and guide them in your way. Amen.
Ps. 5, 145 Ps. 82, 29
Isa. 57:14–21
Gal. 6:11–18; Mark 9:30–41
|
