The bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo are demanding justice following the massacre perpetrated by a group linked to the Islamic State last month at a Catholic church in which more than 40 people were killed or injured. Source: CNA.
The Allied Democratic Forces attacked Blessed Anuarite Parish in the Diocese of Bunia on July 26-27, killing 37 young people and wounding six others who were participating in a vigil marking the 25th anniversary of the Eucharistic Crusades movement, according to pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Bunia Bishop Dieudonné Uringi told ACN that after the massacre, “many people were traumatised. When the adults found out, they came immediately to see what had happened”.
So far, no one has been arrested, and the prelate lamented that law enforcement did not react appropriately.
“The police and military were not far away, but they didn’t act in time. They should have intervened more quickly to protect the population.”
The Congolese prelate also asked ACN for support for young priests displaced by the violence.
“Many had to leave their parishes and seek refuge in Bunia. We welcome them, but we have no means to sustain them. It would be a great relief to receive help, as we have before from your foundation, to accompany us at this time,” he said.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the 10th country that receives the most aid from ACN, according to the pontifical foundation.
ACN also reported that the National Bishops’ Conference of Congo (CENCO, by its French acronym) in an official statement on July 28, expressed its dismay at the “hateful massacre” of innocent faithful.
“This umpteenth massacre has occurred in one of the provinces that has been under a state of siege for several years … In these provinces, we are witnessing murders and kidnappings,” the bishops said.
The outrage, they continued, is greater because “no credible explanation has been offered to reassure the population.”
The bishops wondered why, despite so many massacres, the authorities have failed to clearly identify those responsible.
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Bishops demand justice after massacre at Catholic church in Democratic Republic of Congo (By Walter Sánchez Silva, CNA)
