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“Culture of lies gaining ground” in DR Congo, Cardinal Says, Urges Testimony of Faith

Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo of DRC's Kinshasa Archdiocese. Credit: Courtesy photo

The Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has cautioned against the culture of lies, which he says is “gaining ground” in the Central African nation.

“The culture of lies is gaining ground in the DRC,” Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo said over the weekend, and added, “people lie as they breathe; they lie to cover their own ineptitudes; they lie to cover their incompetence; and sometimes to justify their irresponsibility.”

Cardinal Ambongo who was delivering his catechesis while on a pastoral visit to Isiro in the Eastern part of the DRC challenged the Congolese to remain faithful to their faith.

“It is obvious that living Christian coherence has a price to pay. That is why I invite you to courage and radical fidelity in your faith,” the Congolese Cardinal said December 4 during his pastoral visit that was within the framework of the pilgrimage, which started last month.

He added, “The radiance of our society of tomorrow depends greatly on the testimony of your faith and the rectitude of your conscience.”

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In his Catechesis titled, “Moral conscience and Christian coherence,” Cardinal Ambongo encouraged a life of prayer saying, “Multiply moments of prayer, exchange and formation so that you may lead this struggle with success.”

He maintained that “work must be the prerogative of the Christian but that once in public office the moral conscience of the Christian should not be put on hold.”

Last month, Cardinal Ambongo appealed for collaboration between the Church and the State to serve the Congolese people.

“The Church as well as the State are at the service of the same people,” Cardinal Ambongo told journalists November 23 after an audience he granted to a section of government officials in the country led by the Speaker of the National Assembly.

He added, “It is in our interest to work together to move forward so that our people can live in dignity.”

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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.