Bishops call for prayer and aid for the people of Bukavu

The Bishops of the Church in Wales have added their voice to the calls for international aid for those caught up in the current conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In their statement, the Bishops say:

“For more than ten years, the Diocese of St Davids has a Companion Diocese in Bukavu, in the eastern part of the DRC, a relationship which has greatly enriched our Christian work and witness in both countries.

“So it is heartbreaking to see the suffering which the people of Bukavu, and the Democratic Republic of Congo generally, are experiencing as a result of the current armed conflict in the region.

“Our ecumenical partners in Bukavu have brought us the most distressing accounts of violence, kidnapping, rape, looting, food shortages, and the denial of basic services as the humanitarian and security situation continues to deteriorate, with a million people currently displaced.

“Amid this appalling situation, churches in the Diocese of Bukavu are working to shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, heal the sick and injured and to try to restore peace, providing a shining example of Christian witness.

“But they need our prayers, and our practical help. We urge all those who are touched by their plight to support agencies such as Christian Aid, who are working to alleviate the distress.

“And we call on governments, international organizations, and all people of goodwill to help through donations, advocacy, or direct giving, in order to bring the suffering to an end and restore a sustainable peace.”

The Bishops have drawn attention to this letter which has been received from their ecumenical partners in Bukavu and which gives a moving account of the suffering.