Church Attacked in Kasindi, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo
A church was attacked in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, January 15, 2023. According to reports, 17 people were killed and 39 people were wounded in the bombing of the church in Kasindi, North Kivu, DRC. This attack happened during the joint Sunday morning worship service of the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) and 8th Community of Pentecostal Churches in Central Africa (8e CEPAC), an ECC member church. It has also been reported that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), one of the most notorious active rebel/ terrorist groups in eastern Congo, have claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack. Please read this statement from the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), a partner of Global Ministries.
“Lord, how long will you forget us? Psalms 13″
It is with deep emotion that we learned of the terrorist bomb attack, which was perpetrated this Sunday, January 15, 2023 in Kasindi, where the faithful of the ECC / 8th CEPAC in North Kivu were meeting for the baptismal service.
The Church of Christ in the Congo condemns in the strongest terms this cowardly and despicable act which has cost the lives of several men, women, and children. Many were also left injured.
ECC sends its sincere condolences and expresses its solidarity with the relatives of the victims of the said attack. ECC decrees three days of prayers and thanksgiving in favor of bereaved families. ECC invites all the member Communities of the ECC to accompany the ECC/8th CEPAC during these days of trial.
This attack demonstrates that the consolidation of the authority of the State with a view to guaranteeing lasting peace remains a major challenge to be met, but one whose priority is paramount.
These mass crimes lead us to believe that Protestant parishes and believers are becoming targets of terrorist attacks in the province of North Kivu, while the wounds in our hearts have not yet been healed with the massacres of Protestants in Kishishe .
This new attack which occurs in a province in full state of siege calls on the State to redouble its efforts for the protection of peaceful citizens.
ECC requires that every means be used to initiate credible investigations with a view to establishing responsibilities. ECC encourages the defense and security forces to fulfill their sovereign mission.
ECC calls on all pastors and Protestant Christians to be extra vigilant in places of worship as well as during activities in the public square.
ECC calls on the government to decree a national mourning in memory of the cowardly slaughtered victims. Also, that government support be provided in order to organize the funeral of his sons and daughters in the country with dignity.
ECC askes the government to take charge of the care of all the wounded scattered in different hospitals.
May the Lord help us to reflect deeply on the conspiracy that weighs on our nation.