Catholic Archdiocese in DR Congo Dismisses Reports of Archbishop’s Suspension as “blackmail”

He noted that many Catholics had been making phone calls, sending messages, and asking about the Archbishop’s whereabouts amid rumors that he had been detained or sidelined.

“To put an end to all this confusion, we say clearly: Archbishop Fulgence Muteba is not suspended,” the Vicar General said, adding, “He is present, strong, and fully capable of carrying out his pastoral mission.”

Fr. Mumba emphasized that only official Church bodies can announce disciplinary actions against a Bishop, pointing to the Apostolic Nunciature and the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) as the proper channels. “It does not belong to any media outlet or social network to announce the suspension of a bishop,” he stressed.

The Vicar General also defended Archbishop Muteba’s public interventions, particularly his recent homilies and advocacy for dialogue and peace, saying these are firmly grounded in Church teaching. 

Citing the Second Vatican Council document Christus Dominus, he said Catholic Bishops have a duty to teach, guide, and speak out in times of war, crisis, and social upheaval, while remaining independent of political power.

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“When the Archbishop speaks, he is obeying the documents of the Church,” Fr. Mumba said, adding that promoting dialogue, including ongoing peace efforts involving regional actors, is part of a Bishop’s pastoral responsibility.

Addressing speculation that Archbishop Muteba’s actions amounted to political involvement, the Vicar General rejected the claim outright. 

“Bishops do not do politics,” he said, adding, “They carry out their mission as pastors, as recommended by the Church.”

Fr. Mumba further outlined what could constitute serious offenses leading to the suspension of a Bishop, such as renouncing the Christian faith, rejecting the authority of the Pope, teaching contrary to Church doctrine, or breaking communion with fellow Bishops. He insisted that none of these apply to Archbishop Muteba.

He instead praised the Archbishop’s leadership, describing him as a prophetic voice and a faithful shepherd who is helping strengthen and develop the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi. 

“We are proud of our bishop, of his way of being and of governing,” Fr. Mumba said, adding, “The diocese is not sinking. It is rising.”

Fr. Mumba urged the faithful to rely on credible media rather than social networks for information about the Church. 

He called for calm among Catholics and encouraged them to continue their daily lives and worship without fear.

“Let calm prevail. We remain united, confident, and committed to the good of our Church in Lubumbashi,” Fr. Mumba said.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.