Led by Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, the 10th session of the East Congo Annual Conference was held July 26-Aug. 1, 2022 at the Moto-Moto United Methodist Church in Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Delegates and visitors were joined by His Excellency Affani Idrissa Mangala, acting governor of Maniema Province; Sen. Matata Ponyo Mapon; a representative of the Catholic bishop, Diocese of Kindu, and other guests from Christian and Muslim groups in the region.
The missionary couple Edmund Makowa and his wife were introduced during the meeting.
Bishop Unda also presented personal care kits to 65 women who recently completed a 10-month training and apprenticeship in various trades at the Mama Lynn Center. Pastors’ wives, survivors of sexual violence and impoverished women are learning various trades at the center. Each woman received a reintegration kit, consisting of a sewing machine, 11 pounds of wheat flour, four pounds of sugar, one gallon of vegetable oil and two pounds of lye.
Delegates urged all United Methodists in the East Congo Annual Conference to respect the measures taken by authorities in the country to combat the coronavirus and other diseases.
Delegates reiterated their rejection of same-sex and human-animal marriage. They recommended that women who cannot read or write register and learn literacy and other skills at the Mama Lynn Center.
Thirteen new clergy were ordained as permanent deacons, 10 as elder pastors, four clergy retired.
The statistical report was positive, recording increases in all areas: 4,843 members, 625,989 worship attendees, 587,718 religious education attendees, 5,987 professions or reaffirmations of faith, 714 adults and young adults in small groups, and 5,385 missionary commitments.
Chadrack Tambwe Londe, French News Editor, Congo Central Conference.