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East Congo: The long journey to peace

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The United Methodist Church is flourishing in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The denomination’s newest episcopal area was established in 2012, with offices in Kindu.

But much of the area is impassable because no roads exist in the region ransacked by years of civil wars. Violent outbreaks are still occurring in some parts of the country.

This series of stories and photos shines a spotlight on the many ministries and people of The United Methodist Church in a place rarely visited by members of the global church.
 

 

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Violence
Nurse Franck Onamemba shows broken windows at United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu, Congo. The church hospital was ransacked by armed men during the weekend of Feb. 14-16 as fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces continues in eastern Congo. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Violence, vandalism strike church in Congo
Fighting in eastern Congo has affected United Methodist families and ministries, including an attack at United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu.
Social Concerns
Young people hold a banner during a rally for peace in Kindu, Congo, in early February. Behind them, United Methodist clergy and other young people march to demand peace in eastern Congo, where fighting between M23 rebels and the Congolese army has escalated in recent months. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Churches multiply peace initiatives in eastern Congo
United Methodists join with other religious groups to seek lasting solutions to insecurity in the region, while young people rally for peace.
Mission and Ministry
Chantal Naweza (left) weeds a community garden in the Ubwari region of eastern Congo. A project of The United Methodist Church, the community field fosters peaceful cohabitation and enables local community members to cope with economic problems. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Church expands peace initiatives in Congo
The United Methodist Church is using a multidimensional approach, including community-based agricultural initiatives, to combat interethnic conflict in the Eastern Congo Episcopal Area.

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