The Episcopal Conference of the DRC responded to Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba’s accusations of hate speech against the Head of State and mismanagement of church funds. Bishop Donatien Nshole demanded factual evidence and outlined the limited governmental support received for charitable projects, situating this exchange within the contentious atmosphere of a constitutional revision debate.
The Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo has articulated its dismay following comments made by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba during a radio interview. Bemba criticized political actors, including religious leaders, for what he termed “angry hate speech” against the Head of State, alleging that the nation’s Catholic dioceses mismanage substantial government funds intended for charitable initiatives. In response, Secretary General Bishop Donatien Nshole demanded concrete evidence for such assertions and reiterated the Church’s commitment to collaborate with the government on social and economic projects aimed at benefiting the populace. He noted that, contrary to Bemba’s claims, only a fraction of the promised funds had been disbursed since the signing of an agreement between the Holy See and the government.
The tensions between the Catholic Church and the Congolese government have become particularly pronounced in the wake of ongoing constitutional revisions that would enable President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi to potentially secure a third term. The Church has been vocal against these changes, resulting in accusations of hate speech directed at religious leaders by government officials. The context of these accusations reflects broader political strife within the DRC, particularly concerning governance and electoral integrity.
In conclusion, the Episcopal Conference responded firmly to the accusations made by Deputy Prime Minister Bemba, emphasizing its commitment to truth and transparency in its dealings with government funds intended for community projects. The Church’s appeal for evidence highlights the strained relationship between ecclesiastical authority and political power in the DRC, particularly amid contentious constitutional debates. The situation underscores the critical intersection of faith, governance, and social responsibility in a nation seeking stability and unity.
Original Source: www.fides.org
