House of Bishops meeting and other recent news from the Province

Transcription

1 Reg. Charity No No. 59, Spring 2010 House of Bishops meeting and other recent news from the Province Bp Michael Scott-Joynt of Winchester at the recent House of Bishops meeting CCA AGM Oxford, 30 th October Bp Bahati attacked by militias Latest news from the dioceses Tribute to the late A/B Njojo

2 Dear Friends, This newsletter provides a huge digest of news from across the Anglican Church of Congo. We are enormously grateful to Archbishop Isingoma, the bishops and other staff for their willingness to take time to write, and often to wait with great patience for an Internet connection to send their news and photos! There is much encouragement with new appointments, fruitful initiatives and new developments, but also horror reports of yet more rape and displacement south of Bunia, and ongoing in the Kivus and Maniema, and an attack on Bishop Bahati and family in Bukavu. We record with sadness the death of Archbishop Njojo, a faithful and Godly leader of the EAC and friend to many - he will be greatly missed. No one who visited Boga will forget the warm welcome and generous hospitality of Njojo and his wife Amoti. We send Amoti and their family our condolences and the assurance of our prayers. Last October we wrote about the crisis in funding for ISThA. Canon Sabiti and his team join with us to express sincere thanks to individuals, churches and theological colleges who have generously sent gifts for bursaries. Thank you so much for your contributions enabling ministerial formation to continue at ISThA with a new intake of students. Finding funding for ISThA and indeed for diocesan Bible schools presents huge challenges to all church leaders, but the work of training men and women for Christian m inistry is critical for the ongoing growth and de velopment of the church. Do please continue to support this aspect of the Church s work with your gifts and your prayers. The meeting of the House of Bishops in Bunia in April was of great significance for the future life of the church, and you can read more details elsewhere in this newsletter. The theme was Unity in the Mission of Christ and our

3 Patron, Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt was present and gave Bible meditations. CCA provided funding for travel expenses to get all the bishops and provincial officers to Bunia; a sign of change and development was that Bishops Funga, Kasima and Molanga arrived from Kisangani by coach as the road is now open and graded after many years of closure - the journey took less than 2 days! On page 14 you will find details of CCA s forthcoming event on 26 th June at Woodford: Congo Now! Building Hope in a Troubled Land. We hope many of you can join us! I hope that you will be inspired by the news from across Congo, to pray for and to support our brothers and sisters in Christ in whatever way you can, as each of us seeks to follow Him, in trust and with faith. Yours in Christ, Judy Rous Recent News from the Province (by Rev Anthonio-Kibwela, Archbishop s Secretary) Pastoral visit by His Grace Isingoma Henri March 2010 was a determined month for Archbishop Isingoma. On 14 th he continued touring three of the Dioceses of the Province of Congo after the Diocese of Nord-Kivu in August Kinshasa was the first to be visited where the Archbishop spent a nice time with Christians and with his assistant, Bishop Molanga. It was really a great opportunity for Bishop Molanga, for he was mandated by His Grace, during his absence, to help him administer ecclesiastical tasks. After Kinshasa, he went to Kasai to His Grace, Archbishop Henri Isingoma Kahwa help Christians elect their first Bishop and the procedure went on very well. From Kasai, His Grace came back to Boga Diocese to help Christians vote for their fourth Bishop. So, in August 2010 after consecrating Rev Bahemuka as bishop of Boga, Archbishop Isingoma will remain with the Diocese of Kinshasa.

4 What about Congo-Brazzaville? Congo-Brazzaville is still a fertile land for the Anglican Church. However, Christians are facing the challenge of no plot in the whole country where the church could be established and this is a threat to the Evangelism-Mission and Church growth. Surely, let us pray for our brothers and sisters of this Archdeaconry. House of Bishops A meeting was held for the house of Bishops in Bunia from April All Bishops attended. Bishop Michael Scott-Joynt from the Diocese of Winchester (UK) was the Guest of Honour. The theme was UNITY IN THE MISSION OF CHRIST. The meeting started with a service in memory of key persons such as the late Bishop Njojo Patrice and Pat Nickson, who were recognised as pioneers of the Anglican mission in the DRCongo and Congo Brazzaville. Three Bishops were elected: Ven. Isesomo Muhindo as Bishop of the Diocese of Nord-Kivu, Rev Bahemuka Mugenyi as Bishop of the Diocese of Boga and Ven. Kapinga Kayibabu as the first Bishop of the Diocese of the Kasais. The provincial offices are to be restructured from 11 to 5 offices and will be located at the headquarters of the Anglican Church of Congo. These five offices are: Evangelism and Christian education department; Department of development and medical service (one office); Youth department (one office); Mothers Union; Finances. Bishops agreed that the Rev. Anthonio Kibwela (Katanga Diocese) will continue working with Archbishop Isingoma as his personal secretary. Bp Molanga is still the provincial secretary up to Ven. Bataaga is no longer in charge of communications; however the Anglican Church of Congo is to give him his final benefits after negotiating with the Archbishop. Archbishop Isingoma will remain in Bunia up to August Meanwhile, Bp Molanga, the Assistant Bishop of Kinshasa, in collaboration with the Archbishop Isingoma, will be in charge of all ecclesiastical activities of the Diocese.

5 ISThA summary of news (by Rev Sabiti Tibafa, Director) After the House of Bishops meeting in Bunia in April, the bishops spent a morning visiting ISThA. Here is a summary of the four key areas discussed: 1. Sincere Thanks ISThA continues to live and function thanks to the combined efforts of many: firstly, the church leadership, which prays, supports and advocates on her behalf, as well as sending students for training and providing a staff team who are well trained and qualified; and secondly the generous donors and partners, including CCA, Jersey Congo Trust, and others in the UK, USA, Canada and Switzerland. We are enormously grateful for your support in many different ways. 2. Achievements since August students are enrolled for the academic year , of which 8 are in first year, 13 in second year and 11 in third year. All activities of both students and their families and the staff are going well: academic, spiritual, pastoral and social. New books for the library, and also for both staff and students for their personal study, have been obtained from various sources. However we still need a good number more to fulfil the requirements of ESU (Ministry of Higher and University Education) and ASTHEOL (Association of Theological Institutes) to have a library of at least 5,000 volumes. Link up to electricity supplied by OKIMO, thanks to a grant from St Augustine Foundation UK, and a new water well thanks to the support from Bill Crooks s family and friends, and Susan Broaddus s Church. Creation of brickworks for income generation. Two kilns of fired bricks are now ready for sale! Sabiti pumping water. Praise God!

6 Two houses in wattle and daub for students and three extra rooms for our small guest house have been built. Participation in a Consultation in Kinshasa, organised by the Association of Theological Institutes (ASTHEOL). Resolutions focused on building up the network of Institutes through more frequent meetings, standardising curricula for different levels of training, strengthening collective research projects and ensuring the payment of annual subscriptions from member institutes ($150 pa) 3. Current challenges Last year there was a deficit on the budget so some of this year s income has been used to cover those costs, which in turn exerts severe pressure on the current year s budget. Certain promises of financial aid, internal and external, are still awaited. We are experiencing some administrative challenges concerning the issue of official documents from the Ministry of ESU and also in relation to the registration of ISThA s land. The latter has been an extra cost which was not in the budget. The decision, based on financial constraints, not to bring the families of 2 nd year students to ISThA has been very hard for all. This decision goes against our philosophy that husbands and wives should be trained together for future ministry. The electricity supply has not been reliable with frequent breakdowns at the sub-station. We are hoping to obtain solar panels, thanks to Etre Partenaires, Switzerland. 4. Appraisal and recommendations by the Inspectors from the Ministry of ESU The number of students studying at ISThA is a cause for great concern as it compromises the viability of the Institute with the risk of accreditation for our course being withdrawn. For this reason we have been recommended to open other courses to boost student numbers. Of course this would require a change in name. After serious discussion together on this challenge, the ISThA staff propose to open a new course focused on development tied in with the philosophy of the Together We Can programme. In future we would also open a Faculty of Computer Science.

7 Tribute to Archbishop Njojo (written by Philip Bingham) Archbishop Njojo Byankya Patrice, who died on 5 th February 2010, was the first Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Congo. He was born in Boga into a Christian family: his father was one of the evangelists trained by Apolo Kivebulaya to spread the Gospel throughout the region and even into his nineties continued to lead morning prayers at Boga Hospital. Njojo grew up in Boga, completed his schooling there and went on to become a primary teacher, initially in Rwanda and later back in Boga, where he became headmaster of the primary school. Apparently in his youth he was rather good at football and later, when he and two others from Congo spent a term at Crowther Hall in Birmingham, they were remembered for their volleyball playing. From 1975 to 1977 he studied further at Kisangani, becoming a primary schools inspector. When Bishop Philip Ridsdale, the first Bishop of Boga-Zaire, retired in 1979, Njojo was elected bishop even though he was not ordained. The Anglican Church in Zaire was still young and short of potential leaders and he was not the only person around that time to become a bishop from a lay background. He was sent to Canada to study at McGill University in Montreal, where he was ordained priest on 16th March Back in Boga on 7 th September that year, Archbishop Bezaleri Ndahura consecrated him second Bishop of Boga-Zaire and at the same time consecrated Tibafa Mugera Bishop of Kisangani and Kolini Mbona Assistant Bishop of Bukavu. When the Province of Rwanda, Burundi and Zaire split into three national provinces in 1992 he was unanimously chosen to be the first Archbishop of Zaire. He remained Archbishop for ten years, continuing as Bishop of Boga until his retirement in Under his leadership Boga Diocese grew to the point that the

8 northern part became the Diocese of Aru in As Archbishop he oversaw the creation of Kindu Diocese in Sadly his later years in office were against the background of the turmoil of war in Congo, which in Boga Diocese manifested itself mostly as ethnic conflict between the Hema (his own tribe) and the Lendu. Latterly he therefore felt safer across the border in Fort Portal in Uganda and, when he retired and was diagnosed with diabetes, it became his permanent home. Njojo Byankya was a humble, patient and gentle man, who preferred to find agreement rather than force through his own agenda. He was widely known and trusted, not as a visionary, but as a safe, reliable leader. It was therefore in his diocese and under his oversight that ISThA and IPASC became established and grew. Locally he would always receive and listen to people, and many was the time that he arrived late at his office because there had been a queue outside his door at home. He was a man of the village: he loved Boga and, though his duties often took him up to the main town Bunia, there was never any question of his moving there. His greatest delight on a day off was to go and oversee his herd of cows. When I arrived in Boga as a young CMS mission partner in 1991, he set aside time on my first morning to show me round. When he was Archbishop, I became provincial treasurer, which with another archbishop could have been a source of tension and even conflict. But I was truly fortunate, for with Njojo that never happened. Indeed I would often go to his office with a list of questions and, as well as discussing those, he would sit and talk about wider issues facing him in the Province, and I greatly valued that relationship and our conversations together. He will be remembered of course as the first Archbishop of the Congo. But those who knew him will also remember him with great liking, for he was kindly, welcoming and hospitable, a good listener and a man who, although he sometimes struggled with the issues facing him, always sought to fulfil his responsibilities rightly.

9 News from Bukavu Diocese (by Rev. MUHINDO MATABARO Jean-Paul) Conference & football match for civilians and military communities In order to rebuild relationship, to break mistrust and suspicion among communities and to make a true counselling after the period of war and disaster in the country, the diocese of Bukavu in partnership with TRAUMAID INTERNATIONAL organised a Military Conference on Trauma management in Bukavu town. 112 Military Officers attended the Conference. In Workshops, they discussed how they can become protector of the civilians instead of treating them like a cat treats a mouse. Military attending the conference Bp Bahati handing out certificates Aiming to show themselves ready to come together with civilians, the military requested Bishop BAHATI to arrange a football match with the civilians Motorcyclists. At the end of the match, the military and the Motorcyclists teams received gifts of football uniforms from the Diocese. Women training Being the category most involved in Church and family development, the diocese of Bukavu has placed a particular accent to promote women by providing some skills allowing them the play their role accordingly in family, in community and in Church. From 10 th to 12 th March 2010, a training Counselling workshop for 100

10 raped or sexually abused women took place in Christ King/ Muhumba Parish. The participants came from Bukavu town and villages, they were from different Churches. One month later, 60 Mothers Union leaders from Bukavu and Lac Kivu archdeaconries were trained and received skills enabling them to lead the Mothers Union groups accordingly. At the end of the seminar, 26 women has been officially received and inserted as Mothers Union leaders and trainers in their respective churches. Women and microcredit project Aiming to help the war victims to get a solution to the economical difficulties they face, the Mothers Union of Bukavu diocese has chosen the Rotative Microcredit as one of the best ways to help the vulnerable. There are 203 women who have benefitted from microcredit money from the Church. They use the money in small businesses, to pay home hire fees, school fees, food, clothes, medicines - the family s basic needs. Mme Veneranda NYOTA BAHATI distributing money to raped women for Microcredit Lent Lunch for Bishop Ande (St Mary Whitegate and St Peter Little Budworth raising funds for Aru diocese) We are pleased to bring you news of a fundraising activity in Chester Diocese where two churches organised a lunch to raise funds for Aru Diocese, following a visit by Bp Ande last December. A total of was raised (incl. Gift Aid). If your church is thinking of doing something similar and you are wondering who or what to support, we would be pleased to assist. Just contact a membe r of the committee (see inside back cove r).

11 News from Kisangani Kisangani diocese has experienced a difficult period in recent months. On 29 th November Mrs Edreda Tibafa, widow of the first bishop of Kisangani, died in Beni after a short illness. Although she had moved away from Kisangani, she continued to return regularly to visit family and friends, and was held in great esteem and affection by the church family there. A few days later in early December, there was a tragic outbreak of meningitis at one of the diocesan secondary schools in the Tshopo area of the city. Over a dozen young people died, some of whom collapsed in their classroom and died immediately, which was very traumatic and frightening for all present. The school was immediately closed and local medical authorities worked quickly to establish the cause of the epidemic. Then, in January, Bp Funga sent news of the unexpected death of the diocesan secretary, Ven Mateso. On a more positive note, in late April the diocesan Synod was due to be held. 78 delegates were expected from all over the diocese, travelling on land, and on the river by motorized canoe, to spend 6 days together in fellowship, teaching and church business. The challenges of travel in this region of dense forest and rivers, as well as the huge encouragement to church and school communities of a visit from their Bishop, are dramatically shown on an amazing DVD documenting Bishop Funga s confirmation safari by motorbike last summer, which he kindly sent to CCA. (Do contact us if you would like a copy - Ed). CCA AGM th October, 2010 at 12 noon at St Andrew s Church, Linton Road, Oxford, OX2 6UG. Coffee available from am. Meeting from 12 noon to 3.30 pm. Bread and cheese lunch provided. For catering purposes, if you are coming to the meeting, please inform Rosemary Peirce by 23 rd October at the latest. Contact details: 8 Burwell Meadow, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 5JQ Tel: or rosemary.peirce@ntlworld.com)

12 Creation of an A1 (degree level) Nursing College (Institut Superieur des Techniques Medicales, ISTM) in the Diocese of Aru (Mgr Dr TITRE ANDE Georges, Bishop of the Diocese of Aru) The Diocese of Aru, although still young, with its vision of Abundant life for all in Christ, is very involved in promoting active evangelism, development, education and health. It manages many nursery, primary and secondary schools, many community based development projects, health centres and a hospital. It is planning to create others in the district of Haut-Uele. The Diocese recognises and is concerned about the crisis in the number of competent, qualified and proactive personnel in the health structure s in the north east. We deplore the type of parrotteaching that exists in our training institutions, which often lack libraries, trained and competent teachers and adequate buildings, thus producing nurses who are destructors of health. The Diocese also recognises that poverty in the region prevents parents sending their children far away to study, e.g. to Bunia. Therefore, the Executive Council of the Diocese of Aru has decided to open an A1 Nursing College in Aru (ISTM/ARU). The training will be related to health at A1 (university) level for three years. The aim of this nursing college will be to train competent, qualified and creative personnel who will enable our health institutions to organise and manage, with intelligence and determination, a health system capable of preventing illnesses and restoring health. We plan to begin in October 2010 with options in Midwifery, Hospital nursing and Teaching and Administration of Nursing Care. We can easily find both teachers and students for these options and the material and equipment necessary are not so expensive. Challenges: For a nursing college (ISTM) to function the Congolese government requires: Qualified and competent staff, employed full-time by the institution (with only a few visiting lecturers);

13 An adequate medical library; Permanent buildings; Training materials and equipment owned by the institution; A laboratory suitably equipped for training. As we are a new diocese, and as this project is only at its beginning, we lack specific buildings, books, material and equipment appropriate for such training. We also particularly need qualified teachers, either national or expatriate. We have already started on the first building (4 class rooms) which will cost around US$ 19,800. At the moment we have only US$ 4,000. Therefore we will be very happy to receive any assistance, whether financial, books, materials or human resources, from our friends and brothers and sisters in Christ so that this project can come to fruition for the well-being of the Congolese people. If you would like to contribute to this project or if you would like to have more information about it, please write directly to the Rt Rev Dr TITRE ANDE Georges, Bishop of the Diocese of Aru at this address: revdande@yahoo.co.uk ; Tel: (Abridged version of more detailed document from Bishop Ande: contact Editor or Bp Ande for full document.) Provincial Community Development Office (by Fidele Mushamuka Hamisi, BDC/PEAC Coordinator) Tear Fund, in collaboration with the Development Office (BDC) and the Province of the Anglican Church of Congo's Programme for Health and Fight against HIV/AIDS, organised a seminar in Beni from January 2010 on the environmental evaluation of projects. Among the delegates taking part were those from the Dioceses of Aru, Boga, Bukavu and North Kivu as well as other Tear Fund partners Heal Africa, PPSSP, CME Nyankude, BDC CECA 20 and University Shalom at Bunia. Mme Caroline Kassel was the main trainer at this seminar, arranged by Mr Sadiki B., National Tear Fund Representative.

14 Over five days, some twenty participants learnt and exchanged information on a number of subjects enabling them to integrate environmental aspects in various projects with a view to a lasting development which would take future generations into account. Amongst the salient points studied, the following are worthy of mention: the stages to be followed in the process of environmental evaluation, concepts of environmental degradation, climate change and climate warming. Here is a photograph of the participants. Donation Form Please do use the enclosed donation form to help the work of CCA. You can give to the 2009 Appeal for ISThA (still open), to our General Fund, from which grants are made to the Dioceses, Province and ISThA, or pick another project of interest to you.

15 CONGO NOW! (An initiative by Parliament - with CCA participation The All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes (APPG) has been working for some time to highlight the troubles of the DR Congo, to which far less UK media space has been given than to other conflicts in Africa. The concept got off the ground in May 2009 with an event at the Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, bringing together Congolese diaspora, British NGOs, actors, poets and musicians, which pointed up the Congo's vibrant culture despite the turmoil of the East. This year a series of events is planned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Congolese independence on 30 June. The South Bank event this year will be held in the QEH on Friday 9 July and tickets are on sale. Many NGOs and organisations will be putting on their own events around that time - some have started already. The Almeida Theatre in Islington is producing the European premiere of 'Ruined' by Lynn Nottage, which explores issues of the civil war. The CCA will be doing its own bit with an event entitled "Congo Now! Building Hope in a Troubled Land" at St Mary's Woodford, Woodford Green Road, London E18 2PA from 3 5 pm on Saturday, 26 June. This will encompass talks about encouraging developments in peace and reconciliation, youth ministry and community self-help and mobilisation, a panel discussion including Congolese Anglican clergy and hopefully an a capella choir from Congolese diaspora communities. Speakers will include :- Rev Nzua Emmanuel (Aru Diocese visa permitting) Bill Crooks (Ensemble Nous Pouvons Together We Can) Rev Jules Bulambo (Bukavu visa permitting) Rev Don Brewin (SOMA UK). Download a flyer for this event from our web site and invite your friends! We are counting on your support.

16 Boga Diocese News (Ven. John Zaba, Diocesan Secretary.) A new bishop The great news for Boga diocese is that Revd. William Bahemuka has been elected to be the new diocesan bishop, filling the vacancy created when Isingoma Henri became archbishop. The consecration will take place in August. Ministry news 3 deacons and 5 priests were ordained at Boga cathedral in January, and 2 new parishes have been created. The Diocesan Bible School ran into financial difficulties and no longer functions; however Christians at Bukiringi have started a local one there. The twenty-sixth parish of the Diocese of Boga, the Parish of MELINDI, was opened on Sunday, May 9th The church was crowded and 174 persons were confirmed. Diocesan clergy/staff

17 Work in the community Poverty, and the effects of war continue to be the main focus of work in the community. The Diocesan Development office continues to provide training in farming practice, and the farmers have been very successful in 2009 and The work underpins the ENP (Ensemble Nous Pouvons) philosophy of self-dependence. The Mothers Union has created a relationship with some NGOs like MSF and MONUC, and they are working together to help women who have suffered violence. Many people are now returning from the IDP camps and need assistance in their resettlement. Diocese of Boga Women s Ministry (by Mme Mugisa Isingoma, on behalf of the M.U. and UFPPS office, Boga diocese) In the last 3 months the women s ministry program was able to implement the following activities: Loans This activity is done in Bunia, 50 to 100 hundred dollars per woman. Really, women are happy for the loans because it helps to resolve many challenges they are facing. From loans they can feed their families, buy roofs for the houses, buy clothes and treatment and make a contribution to the church. Tailoring This activity is done at Boga, Bunia and Kyabaganzi, Malaya. They are sewing clothes, uniforms for pupils and making baskets.

18 Agriculture Here, we have a field of cassava at Kyabangazi (3 ha), 3 ha of bananas plantains and 1 ha of sweet potatoes. In Malaya, we have 1 ha of cassava, in Bukiringi 3 ha of cassava and women of Bukiringi want to sell their first product from their field because it helps them. They ll sell it after harvest. At Boga we have 2 ha of groundnuts and 2 ha of cassava and beans. Seminars In Isura, Gbandayi archdeaconry, we had a seminar about HIV/AIDS. We encourage women to go for a free test. Women were really interested in it. The big problem is that most of them are from a village where there is no transport. That s why in each report we mention the big challenge - we have no vehicle. We cannot find enough doctors in the villages. Sometimes we attend NGO s meetings such as MSF, OCHA UNDP, UNICEF through UFPPS on the sexual violence to explain the problem, but it s still difficult. For your information, we have joined a new activity: ENP, in French Ensemble Nous Pouvons and in English Together We Can. It helps us so much how to use our own resources to achieve our aim. As I am writing this report, we organized a Harambe (collection of money) in the Diocese of Boga and we got $1, We bought roofing with it for building the women s houses, because it is our aim to have a space for women here in Bunia. We will continue with the program until the end. Difficulties The lack of transport for farmers to access the market for their produce. We have put this need in our 2010 women budgets. Also, there is no transport for carrying women who have been raped to the health center. Its difficult for a woman who has been raped to walk to Gety 50 Km on foot to find the health center. Our future intentions Extend loans in other archdeaconries. Agriculture at Komanda and Mwitu archdeaconries. Protest through seminars and conferences with parents about sexual violence within all of the diocese.

19 Bishop Bahati attacked by militias (as described in a letter from Revd. MUHINDO) At 1 am on the night of Thursday, 8th April 2010, a group of unknown militias with their guns in hands forced the doors and entered the residence of Rt Revd Bahati Bali-Busane Syvestre, Bishop of Bukavu Diocese. Having bound and hit the watchman Mr Bahizire Lubala, these undesired visitors have acceded to the bedroom of Amani Busane, the first born of the Bishop. They tied him and commanded him to conduct them to the room of the Bishop. Fearing to be shot dead, the young man has done what they wanted. Surprisingly, Bp Bahati has seen a team of 5 people with guns getting into his bedroom, terrifying him and his wife. "We have been paid US$20,000 by some people sending us to assassinate the Anglican bishop of Bukavu Diocese", they said. Being seriously depressed, the Bishop has presented his excuse asking them to not kill him; but the militias have asked him to give them money and the Bishop did so. In addition, they looted things found in the house: wearings, computers, television, DVD players, mobile phones and utensils. In fact, Bishop Bahati isn't the first victim, nor the first Church leader to be attacked in this manner in this area. In November 2009, the Roman Catholic Church of Kabare lost 1 Priest, 1 Sister and 2 lay people in an attack like this. Daily, there is mourning and sorrows in the communities of South Kivu and North Kivu provinces because of killings and looting by either Interhamwe or unknown people. This causes displacement of many people; they leave their homes and go to live far away looking for safety. Therefore, we would request to our local leaders, our political authorities and the MONUC to find a way to recover peace and security definitively in North and South Kivu provinces in particular and in the whole country in general. We also request to our brothers and sisters who will read this sad news to pray for Bp Bahati s family and the diocese of Bukavu who are often victims of atrocities. May GOD give them peace and provide for their need of peace and physical supplies.

20 News from CFEJ/ISTAS (by Rev Willy Bahemuka, Director) It has been suggested by the CFEJ/ISTAS board that our institution keeps one identity (Institut Supérieur Technique d Animation Sociale) and CFEJ (Centre de Formation des Encadreurs des Jeunes) becomes one of its departments. It was difficult to believe that Rev. William and Irene would leave CFEJ/ISTAS for a new ministry in the diocese of Boga. The field belongs to God, he will provide workers! Our duty is to keep praying. We also were worried about the funding, because we were not so sure that Foster Wood Foundation will continue funding CFEJ/ISTAS. Thank God that in their meeting of May 1, 2010 with Judy Acheson they promised to fund CFEJ/ISTAS for three years and support some projects like girl s hostel and sorghum growing. For our farming project in Nioka, we are seeking to acquire a tractor from the provincial government. The provincial minister of agriculture, who visited us this year, wrote to us saying that they had given 5 tractors to ECC (Eglise du Christ au Congo). We are in the process of acquiring one. This gives assurance that Rev. William will not leave CFEJ/ISTAS collapsing. How good is our God! We have seen the hand of God this year. We need your prayers for the new Principal and Finance Director to be appointed by the board and for ISTAS to get registered by the Ministry of Higher Education.

21 Youth Department (by Rev Bisoke Balikenga Bernard, Provincial Youth Officer) Receive my greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to pass on our thanks to all the CCA board and members for their support and prayers. Some hosted me when I was in the UK recently. God bless you all. Really, God has blessed me a lot when I was there, because I learned more about you in general, and I am back with new strategies for leading our department, especially our youth. The plan which we have for the next 6 month is as follows: 1) We plan to have a workshop with all our youth leaders from all our Dioceses where I would like to teach them what I learned from St John's College, and also what I learned from different people and Parishes. Also, in that meeting, I will need to have a meeting with all the staff who are working for our department. To have all of them together will help us to really understand the problems of our young people and to try to think how we can satisfy their expectations. 2) I would like to visit all our Dioceses to know what they are doing on the ground, and to find out the challenges which they are facing. 3) We are planning to have a board meeting in June for our Youth Training Centre in order to have one person who will take over from Rev. Willy. Rev. Willy is going to be a Bishop of the Diocese of Boga. 4) We will need to go ahead with our teaching on peace and reconciliation among the youth. Raise money for CCA when you search the web! How? By using as your search engine and then choosing Congo Church Association as your preferred charity, you can raise 1p for each new unique search. In addition the site offers the chance to raise money for your chosen charity by sending seasonal greeting cards. Please try it and generate some more income for CCA! Every penny counts!

22 What is Congo Church Liaison Office and why is it in Kampala, Uganda? (by Frederick Ngadjole EAC Liaison Officer & Provincial Treasurer) As a result of the communication breakdown at all levels in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the intensified civil and political war in 1997, the House of Bishops of the Province of the Anglican Church of Congo decided to open up a support office called CONGO CHURCH LIAISON OFFICE in Kampala, Uganda with the aim of supporting the ministry of the church in easing vital and basic communications with the dioceses on the one hand and with partners in mission overseas and various stakeholders on the other hand. And this includes banking transactions, public relations, postal affairs, and the like while the country settles down. And this has been so for the last decade. It was then run by an Australian missionary, Maggie Crewes. Located on Willis Road, Namirembe Hill in Kampala, Uganda (Mothers Union Building, 1 st Floor) the Liaison Office is a one-man office currently run by me. I am 48 years old, a father of six (aged between 26 and 2 years and pictured here) and a native of Djugu zone in Boga diocese. The office has no intention of growing bigger in manpower, nor does it have a fixed duration. The same situation also forced the Liaison Officer to double as the Provincial Treasurer, since all the provincial staff members were no longer in a position to operate effectively and efficiently from within the country. They all took cover in their respective villages. And this has remained so up to date. Contact P.O.Box 25586, Kampala, Uganda. Tel/Fax: Cellphone:

23 News from the Diocese of Kindu (by Bishop Masimango) An Update about Kindu, Maniema At the moment the political situation in the Province of Maniema is unstable because both the governor and his deputy have resigned from office following a motion of no confidence from the Provincial Assembly. The Provincial Assembly is divided into two opposing groups and there are 6 candidates for the position of governor. Among these candidates is one Anglican. On the 5 th May there was a fatal canoe accident in Kindu on the Congo River. Over 80 people are feared dead but the exact number will never be known because the bodies were carried swiftly downstream and not all can be recovered. It happened when a large motorised dugout canoe capsized in the middle of the fast flowing Congo River. The boat was overladen and the river was rough with strong storm winds causing big waves. It is thought the canoe was carrying over 120 people. In recent months the Congo River has swelled and in some places flooded. Many houses built on the banks of the river have been destroyed. News from the Diocese Faith Blake from CMS Australia was here recently on a pastoral visit to missionaries Malcolm and Elizabeth Richards. In February Bishop Masimango together with Malcolm and Elizabeth travelled by motor bike to visit new deacons and recent Bible School graduates in Kasongo and Kayuyu Archdeaconries. The trip covered 500km on dirt roads and tracks in areas where there are no petrol stations. It was a good opportunity to encourage pastors and evangelists working in difficult and isolated situations. Kasongo is a strong Muslim area and more trained evangelists are urgently needed for the work in that Travelling around the Diocese is not easy region.

24 The parish of Kakutya in the town of Kalima recently celebrated the opening of a new church building. People came from all over the diocese for the celebration. The new large building made of brick with an iron roof and floor of bricks and cement provided a great venue for the Diocesan Council meeting held in the same week. Diocesan Council meetings went well and in preparation for synod in August a plan was made for parish participation in the evaluation of diocesan strategies in evangelism, ministry and discipleship. Growing congregations need adequate church buildings. At the moment two parish churches in the Kindu town area are in the process of being built. One is Kasuku parish that is currently meeting in the diocesan offices and the other the parish church of Kama II (2 kilometres) meeting in a bamboo structure with a leaf roof. Both are growing congregations Both new buildings now have brick walls and ring beams but more funds are needed for the roofing. That is wood for roof trusses, nails and corrugated galvanised iron roofing sheets. The Kasuku church building still needs a roof The Planning, Development and Rehabilitation Programme in Goma (by Reverend Desiré Mukanirwa) Many projects are being carried out by the PDRP office based in Goma, and serving the surrounding districts, especially for the girls and women who are victims of rape. Named the LINDA group, the goal is to transform lives by fighting poverty and unemployment. As not all our beneficiaries are Anglicans, but includes women from other denominations and faiths, or none, this programme has an e cumenical dimension.

25 Central to the programme is The Microcredit Project, in which 76 abused girls and women have received funds to start incomegenerating activities in small businesses, enabling them to earn a living and address their own basic needs. Loans are paid back in instalments, so that new loans can be made to help others. The beneficiaries work in small groups to encourage each other for companionship and support, and help each other with financial management. Group members will handle problems together, and if one fails to make a payment, the problem is on the shoulders of the whole group. So far, all payments have been made on time. Enough has been repaid in Goma to help the next 5 women. In my recent monitoring visit, I found things improving too in rural areas. We praise God for everything done. Other projects include: a catering training programme which has enabled 16 women to find jobs in hotels and restaurants; others are making wedding cakes and catering for functions. Women who were trained in basket-making in Goma are now training others. Adult Literacy programme: 140 now take pride in knowing how to read, write and calculate. The second term is going on with 60 being taught by 4 teachers. Food security programme: several different groups are growing cash crops, easing hunger, and providing an income. Different crops are planted, according to the area. We are hoping that a new crop, cacao, will do well in Rutshuru. There is special need here, where we recently found a group of handicapped people, including a number of orphaned girls with children, and no support. Many were raped during the last year s war. They couldn t run away when others fled, and so were caught and abused by the rebels. Some have fatherless children already as a result of the rapes. I was crying when I saw their

26 state and heard their complaints. We pray that God provides assistance in a miraculous way to quench their needs. The Reconciliation Project provides training for people to disseminate the message of peace, justice and reconciliation, focusing on forgiveness and love. This programme fits this time in our region because we are living the period following conflict, and we know hearts are hurt and wounded. So there is a great need to heal wounds of trauma, and set up a peaceful environment. Ndahura School: 6 class rooms at the Ndahura school have been refurbished. The college is now attractive and students are proud to study in a safer, better, learning environment with a good fresh atmosphere after the war. There is still some work to do to complete the refurbishment if further funds are available. Finally, not having our own vehicle causes significant problems. We often borrow one from the guest house, or hire cars, but this is expensive. So we are praying for our own vehicle to ease our work. Diocese of Katanga News (from Bishop Kasima Muno Corneille) In April 2010, the UFPPS (Union des femmes pour la paix et la promotion sociale) became more involved in the Mother s Union work in Katanga. This class took place on 3 months of training in Buluo. Buluo is in the archdeaconry of Likasi at 100km from the headquarters of the diocese. Kisimba is reading in church after her training. Certificates given to the participants after months of training by Mma Pacifique Kasima

27 Initiative of the diocese Bishop Kasima and the Taxi bus. The Diocese has started an initiative for self-finance for the diocese of Katanga; 2 Minibus taxis started doing transportation within the Lubumbashi town. The income of the taxi bus will help IBAP (Institut Biblique Anglican St Paul) for catechists and evangelists training and some workshops of clergies for their church ministry in the diocese of Katanga. Challenges The diocese of Katanga is so big, the communication to reach all archdeaconaries within the diocese is a big challenge. Some archdeaconries are about 800 to 1,000 Km from the seat of the diocese. The diocese is seeking financial support to respond to the local needs of the diocese. The church members are poor so the diocese depends totally on its friends and partners overseas for its finance. There is a need to look for two resident assistant Bishops for church mission in the interior of the diocese with the mission of preparing the future dioceses. Fighting against Malaria The diocese of Katanga is more involved in fighting against malaria within the local community through its development department (BDC-Anglican program) with the support of Nets for Life program and the National program of fighting against malaria of the DRCongo. Recently from 15 to 25 April 2010 they organised a celebration on World Malaria Day with a coalition of faith-based communities regrouped in CORESA (Confessions Religieuses et Santé). During the celebration the religious leaders took their engagement to work together in order to fight malaria and sensitized the community to use mosquito nets for their prevention. Ivonne Chaka Chaka, who is the international Ambassador of malaria, was present at the events.

28 News from North-Kivu Diocese (by Bishop Enoch Kayeeye) Renewal Conference We recently held a Renewal Conference led by Rev. Don Brewin from SOMA UK. Over 500 people committed their lives to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Reconciliation was one of the very important achievements during our conference. People are now together. It was a real blessing and we are grateful to God. New initiative We continue to build up Mbau Bible College and are working to prepare Semuliki and Beni to become future Dioceses. We are also involved with the ENP initiative ( Together we can ), helping families to start self-help activities. Discipleship We have been opening new Churches, forming Bible study groups and Sunday Schools. We have also been encouraging children to be involved in Church activities: reading lessons, singing, cleaning churches and other activities in the Church which encourage the youth to come to Church. Encouragements St Brelade in Jersey gave us 25,000 for restoring the building at Mbau Bible college. The Episcopal Church Development Fund gave us $10,000 to help displaced people. CMS Ireland gave us 4,490 Euros for rehabilitation - 6 Churches and 1 School were supplied with building materials. St Brelade and St Mark, Jersey gave us 3 Motorbikes: 1 for Secretariat, 1 for Mission and Evangelism and 1 for Mbau Bible College. We receive our annual discretionary grants from CCA. Mary Sumner House gave us $11,363 for MU leaders training and MU Manchester Diocese gave us $7,166 and 845 for raped women. Many young people are coming to the Church. Rt Rev. Enoch W. M. Kayeeye has been appointed to begin Renewal Ministry in the Anglican Church of Congo, in fellowship with SOMA and East African Revival. Challenges Transport is a big problem. The roads are so bad and we

29 need a strong Land Cruiser which can survive for a year without going to the garage. The number of displaced people and raped women and girls increase daily. We have over 7,000 displaced people due to war. We also have a shortage of Swahili Bibles. Successes We held our first ever synod without asking for money from outside. It was a big success. We are building new churches and Peace and Reconciliation projects are going well. News from Kinshasa (by Mgr Molanga Botola Jean, Provincial Secretary and Asst Bp of Kinshasa) His Grace the Archbishop spent time in Kinshasa during March During the course of this stay he held a meeting with the members of the Diocesan Council when he reinstated Mgr Molamga Botola Jean in his functions as Assistant Bishop after several months of his being set aside in the administration of the Diocese, which pleased all the faithful in the Diocese. Many activities are envisaged, notably in East Bandundu, Bas-Congo and the south of Brazzaville, an area not yet reached by mission. We ask for your prayers that God may help us to find persons for mission. Mothers' Union activities are developing normally. The Mothers met in the parish of St Pierre de Kalamu on 25 March and organised collections for the benefit of widows and orphans in our Diocese. The Church in Brazzaville is going through a difficult period through not having its own site for services nor legal representation. This is a matter for prayer. The Diocese plans to organise before the end of the year refresher seminars for pastors and training seminars for catechists and evangelists. It asks you to pray for God to provide persons to support these activities. The Diocese thanks its partners (CCA, CMS and others) for their spiritual and material support for the success of the Bishops' Collegium which resulted in the e le ction of 3 ne w Bishops.

30 Congo Church Association Patrons The Rt Revd Michael Scott-Joynt, Bishop of Winchester Dss Lucy Ridsdale President Archbishop Isingoma Kahwa B.P Kinshasa - 1, Democratic Republic of Congo Hon Secretary Mrs Rosemary Peirce, 8 Burwell Meadow, Witney, Oxon OX28 5JQ General Commissary Revd Canon W.B. Norman, 37 Cloudesdale Road, London SW17 8ET Chair Commissary USA Judy Rous, Revd Ted Lewis, 353 Banbury Road, Laurel Hill Way, Oxford, Germantown, OX2 7PL MD , USA Hon Treasurer Paul Dickens, Hockliffe Grange, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 9NL Printed by: Hallett Press, Coachmakers, 33 Latimer Street, Romsey, Hants SO51 8DF Please send material for publication to the Newsletter Editor, Paul Dickens, at the above address or by to treasurer@congochurchassn.org.uk

31 Prayer and Praise Province Pray for God s hand upon Abp Isingoma to give hi m wisdom, discernment & vision in his many responsibilities. Pray for his wife Mugisa & dynamic women s ministry. Boga Pray for the consecration in Aug & future ministr y of Rev Willy Bahemuka as 4 th Bishop of Boga, & good hand-over to his successor in Mahagi and with Abp Isingoma. Pray for l asting peace in Ituri enabling peopl e to go home; also effective church ministr y. Bukavu Pray for a final resolution & end to hostilities in the conflict in the Kivus. Pray for many people displaced & traumatised, & for spiritual & material help for them. Remember Bp Bahati & his staff, especi ally cl ergy in the troubled area, and for their outreach. Katanga Ask for God s leading for the appoi ntment of 2 Asst bishops for this huge diocese. Gi ve thanks for the self-financing initi ati ve to raise support for the Bible Institute. Pray for the work with street children esp Centr e Ki mbilio, and also the transformational development wor k. Kisangani Gi ve thanks for the r ecent Synod; pray for the resources to open the Bible School. Pray for Bp F unga & his staff & clergy as they mi nister in this vast di ocese. The Kasais Gi ve thanks for Abp Isingoma s visit & the appointment of Ven Kapinga Kayibabu as 1 st bishop of Kasai. Pray for his preparati ons to take up the post i n Kinshasa/Congo-Brazzaville Pray for Assistant Bp Molanga & cl ergy as they minister in urban & rural parishes in this huge di ocese. Pray for Abp Isingoma s visits to Kinshasa North Kivu Give thanks for Ven Isesomo s appoi ntment as bishop & his preparations to take up the post in Pray for ongoing renewal and growth in the diocese. Aru Pray for bl essings on the youth conference & other workshops/retreats; also plans for the ISTM. Pray for Bp Ande, in his di ocesan work & teaching at ISThA, & for his team. Pray also for a positi ve resoluti on to the uncertainty concerni ng the financial provision for running the Aru Bibl e School next academic year Kindu Pray for the pastors conference and also Synod in Aug. Pr ay for Bp Masi mango in his diocesan wor k & as Dean of the Province. ISThA Pray for Canon Sabiti & staff, who face many challenges in teaching the course, & devel oping the College. Pr ay for sufficient income. Pray for existing students growth in spiritual maturity & ministr y skills; pray for students who will graduate this summer. Youth Gi ve thanks for Rev Bisoke, Provincial Youth Officer & pray for him & youth wor kers throughout DRC. Pray for God s worki ng in the li ves of young people that they will follow C hrist whole-heartedly. Pr ay for Mahagi Youth Training Centre & ISTAS, & the appointment of a new Director & future plans; also for Judy Acheson s wor k here. Health - Pray for those running health programmes who face huge needs with often limited resources. Pray for God s provision & His healing touch on the lives of many. Evangelism Pray for Rev Ise-somo s ongoing evangelistic wor k amongst soldi ers; pray for effective discipl eship of those who come to faith in every diocese. Development Pr ay for many grassroots initiati ves, EN P & God s transforming wor k in many li ves & communities. Pr ay for God s blessing & protection on people & programmes.