Today's Prayer Concern -- How many pigs would Spitzer have to pay?, March 17, 2008

A deadly mix: Religion, Social Justice and Religion in Congo

In western Congo, there are deadly situations, too.  But it is different from eastern Congo.  There are no armed groups, rebels, or militias.  It is government police against the Bundu Dia Kongo, a political and religious sect.  The police are trying to restore order.  And the BDK is trying to impose it own rule and laws such as to require marital cheaters to pay a fine of a pig.

Link: BBC NEWS | Africa | Deadly clashes in west DR Congo.

A UN internal report, leaked to the BBC, says that at least 68 people have been killed since the start of this month, and more than 300 members of Bundu Dia Kongo are missing in this vast region.

Bundu Dia Kongo (the People of Congo) challenged the state's authority and tried to impose its own rule in the villages of western Congo. 

This included levying a fine of a pig on those who cheated on their wives, and whipping teachers whose schools were not well-maintained.

But the religious group also has its own militia made of young men armed with sticks and machetes.

REFLECTION:

I prayed about this situation on March 6, 2008.  Here is an update and some leaked information from a UN report.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is overwhelming a Christian nation.  According the CIA Factbook, the religious landscape is Roman Catholic - 50%, Protestant - 20%, Kimbanguist - 10%, Muslim - 10%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) - 10%.

I thought of the current headline news surrounding the resignation of Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York.  Today, David Paterson became New York's first black governor.  What would the leadership of the Bundu Dia Kongo sect fined Spitzer?

Their moral instructions are commendable.  However, many people would say that the BDK is gone too far.  It is a deadly mix of Religion, Social Justice and Religion in Congo.

PRAYER:

Dear God, please continue to calm, understanding, and the will to end this conflict between the Congo National Police and the Bundu Dia Kongo sect.  Please comfort the mourning families of the dead and missing.  And Father, protect the innocent people who are caught in the middle.  AMEN.