Faith Leaders Launch Global Prayer Campaign to Raise Awareness About The Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo


 Faith Leaders Launch Global Prayer Campaign to Raise Awareness  About The Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo


WASHINGTON, DC – Friends of the Congo, The National Council of Churches in Christ, Trinity United Church of Christ, The Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Living Water AME Church, Redeemers Church of Christ, The United Methodist Church -General Board of Church and Society, and a collective of other faith institutions will kick off their Congo Global Prayer Campaign on Sunday, October 19. This yearlong worldwide, interfaith initiative calls for people across the globe to stand in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through united, intentional prayers for peace, justice, and healing.

The DRC is home to the deadliest conflict in the world since World War II, where at least six million Congolese have perished largely as a result of a scramble for its precious and strategic minerals. Hundreds of thousands of women have been systematically raped as a weapon of war. Approximately seven million Congolese are internally displaced, and more than 25 million need emergency relief.

“Do not forget the suffering of the people. Amplify their voices and tell the truth about what is happening in the Congo,” beseeched one frontline organizer trapped in the midst of the conflict. The goal of the campaign is to mobilize interfaith leaders and their followers to spearhead a worldwide moral appeal for peace, justice, and dignity for the Congolese people.

Global Effect of the Congo Crisis  

The Congolese people have been blessed with spectacular wealth of diamonds, gold, coltan, copper, cobalt, and a plethora of other minerals that economists say are valued at $24 trillion. Despite its tremendous wealth, 70 percent of Congolese live on less than $2.15 a day. The entire world benefits from Congo’s resources. The natural minerals in the Congo are vital to the functioning of smartphones, computers, video games, automobiles, airplanes, solar panels, and a range of other electronic and technology devices.

“What does it mean when mining brings increased poverty where the minerals are mined? The tragedy that is happening in the Congo is a shame for humanity,” says Congolese Indigenous leader Samuel Yagase. “The big challenge is how can we as a global community ensure that the critical minerals that are needed for the entire world brings prosperity for everyone, starting with the people living where the mining is done.”

The DRC’s minerals are crucial for the global energy transition. Its rainforest is indispensable to combating the climate emergency. That’s why it is incumbent upon everyone to support the Congolese on the frontlines who are responsible for protecting and preserving the Congo basin rainforest for the benefit of the entire planet.

Unifying in Faith and Prayer

Faith leaders will launch the Congo Global Prayer Campaign on Sunday, October 19, as part of Friends of the Congo’s Breaking the Silence: Congo Week, which runs from October 19 to 25. Organized annually since 2008, Congo Week is a global awareness raising undertaking in which communities throughout the globe host teach-ins, film screenings, fundraisers, cultural events, and much more to educate people about the Congo and mobilize support for frontline communities.

The public is invited to participate in the launch of Congo Global Day of Prayer on October 19 by joining a prayer network, hosting a prayer gathering, committing to daily prayer, sending letters of support to U.S. lawmakers, sharing and amplifying stories on social media, and donating to humanitarian relief efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit www.friendsofthecongo.org for more information about the Prayer Campaign and Congo Week events.

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