The Anglican University of the Congo has successfully completed its first year as a university with 106 students across five faculties. Although there is still much to be done to develop the new university, this is a major achievement, given that only a year ago it was just a small theological college. Theology remains important and 14 students graduated in theology in August.

Archbishop Isingoma and his family moved from Bunia to Kinshasa in August, at the express wish of the other bishops. The provincial office has moved with him to Kinshasa and the office in Bunia has closed. Archibishop Isingoma takes on responsibility for Kinshasa Diocese as well as the Province.

Presidential elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are due to be held on 28th November. Already there have been some claims of fraud and talks have been held to avert any violence. Please pray that the elections will pass fairly and peacefully.

A Prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo

O God, loving parent of all, comfort your children displaced, wounded or orphaned by conflict in Congo; and give the people of that country courage to seek enduring peace with justice and freedom, that their children might grow up without fear; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Adapted by Canon Ian Tarrant from a prayer in the 1998 Congo Swahili Prayer Book, written after the 1996-97 war.

Objects of the Association

1. To advance the Christian Religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
2. In partnership with the Anglican Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo to relieve poverty and to provide for the needs of refugees and the displaced.
3. In partnership with the Anglican Church in the DRC and civil society there to promote and sustain schemes for peace and reconciliation, health, education and community development for the welfare and benefit of the population.
4. To relieve poverty among the clergy and former clergy of the Anglican Church and the widows and dependants of any such persons.

Donations

Please support the work of the Association, either

1) as a one-off donation by cheque, payable to 'Congo Church Association', addressed to the Treasurer:

Paul Dickens, Hockliffe Grange, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 9NL

or

2) as a standing order. The Treasurer can give you details.

Gift Aid It...

If you are a UK taxpayer, under the Government's Gift Aid Scheme the Congo Church Association can reclaim tax you have already paid on your gift. This means your gift will be increased by 25 pence for each pound given, at no extra cost to you.

Please download and send the following declaration with your donation: Gift Aid donation form