Laity Council in DR Congo Recognizes Cardinal with “Bakanja-Kimbangu Grand Citizen Award”

The Archbishop emeritus of DRC’s Kinshasa Archdiocese who retired in November 2018 added, “If religious affiliation separates these two historical figures, the same values and intellectual convictions bring them together, the most fundamental of which is the dignity of the human person as a human creature.”

The 81-year-old Congolese Cardinal acknowledged with appreciation efforts being made by the members of CLC, sometimes at the risk of their lives, to be in all circumstances and at the heart of our society as “witnesses of Christ and to inscribe the divine law in the DRC.” 

In a video message sent to the organizers of the event, Dr. Mukwege, on his part, expressed his appreciation to the members of CLC for their efforts toward ensuring true democracy in DRC.

“Like many compatriots, I admire your commitment as a citizen. In recent years, despite the fierce repression of the previous regime, you have stood valiantly against the crushing of our population for the holding of elections and political change,” Dr. Mukwege, gynaecologist who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting human and moral values in recent years said in the video message.

For next year’s award, CLC leadership announced that Congolese citizens will be involved in proposing candidates who will distinguish themselves in all sectors of life to merit the prize.

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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.