Throughout its colonial and post-independence history, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered periods of violent conflict. Violence has been caused by ethnic rivalries, rebel militia groups, political turmoil, natural resource exploitation, and disputes with neighboring countries. Amid the violence, the Catholic Church in the DRC has been a steadfast presence for peace, justice and development. Among its peacebuilding activities, the Catholic Church has monitored elections, mediated between warring opposition groups, provided peace education and training, and ministered to the millions of suffering and displaced victims of the country’s myriad conflicts. This webinar will discuss the Congolese Catholic community’s work for peace in the DRC, especially as new challenges like COVID-19 emerge, and examine how the experiences of Catholic peacebuilding in the DRC might provide insights and lessons elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. Panelists include: John Katunga, Peacebuilding and Justice Africa Advisor, Catholic Relief Services; Rigobert Minani, SJ, Head of Research for Peace, Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance, Centre d'Etude Pour l'Action Sociale (DRC); Director of Jesuit Social Ministry, DRC and Angola; Léocadie Lushombo, IT, Adjunct Instructor, Boston College Theology Department; Mauro Garofalo, Director of International Relations, Sant'Egidio Community; and moderator Lisa Sowle Cahill, J. Donald Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College.
This webinar will take place July 8, at 10:30 EDT / 14:30 UTC. Registration is required, and a Zoom account is needed to participate (sign up is free for Zoom).