DRC Catholic Church insists on dialogue, opposes constitutional changes

The Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo has strongly voiced its opposition to any attempts to revise or change the current constitution, issuing a declaration titled "The Nation is in Peril." The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) is urgently calling for inclusive consultation among all vital national forces to prevent a rupture of the republican pact.

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The Nation is in Peril

This position was articulated by Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo and approximately thirty other Archbishops and Bishops of CENCO following an extraordinary plenary assembly held in Kinshasa from June 18-20. The assembly focused on the country's security and sociopolitical situation. The Church expresses fears that altering the constitution could undermine the historical consensus that has governed Congolese political life since the Sun City agreement. Congo Nouveau reports that the Congolese episcopate firmly opposes modifying fundamental texts, labeling the proposed referendum as a "prelude to the balkanization" of the country.

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We see neither the opportunity nor the necessity to engage the country on this path in this period of crisis.

For the Catholic Church, the absolute priority remains the preservation of territorial integrity and national cohesion. The bishops stated they see "neither opportunity nor necessity" to embark on this path during the current crisis period. However, media reactions are mixed. Le Phare, for instance, suggests that CENCO is "judging the government and covering for Rwanda," accusing the Church's declaration of primarily blaming Kinshasa's institutions while adopting a lenient stance towards external aggressions.

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The Church's declaration tends to primarily blame the initiatives of the existing institutions in Kinshasa while adopting a posture it qualifies as complacent towards external aggressions.

Le Phare questions whether revising or changing the constitution creates fear of a referendum, relaying arguments from proponents of direct popular consultation. Similarly, Le Quotidien, quoting an UDPS official, asks, "Can the church substitute itself for the will of the people?" The Catholic Church's recent statements have reignited a debate that extends beyond legal frameworks, prompting examination of the role religious leaders now play in national political discourse. Some, like Jean Aimé Mbiya Bondo Shabanza, believe certain positions taken by Catholic leaders, far from uniting, are further polarizing the national debate.

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Can the church substitute itself for the will of the people?