Dioceses of Aru and Boga
The Anglican Church was planted by a Ugandan, Apolo Kivebulaya, in 1896. It is a small and growing Church of around 550,000 in DRC, most of whom live in the East of the country. There are 14 Dioceses.
Statistics are very unreliable in DRC, but most of the population appear to identify as Christian though many are either nominal or also attached to traditional religions.Both our link dioceses prioritise evangelism, leading to growing congregations and the opening of new parishes. Both bishops speak excellent English (and several other languages).
PRAYER
The Diocesan Synod met in November 2024 for its biennial meeting, hosted by Opinyani and Ekanga Archdeaconries – approx. 22 miles outside Aru. Drawing delegates from every parish, it was a blessed time of fellowship, evaluation and setting our course for the next two years. They have asked us to pray for the following:
Thanksgiving and Prayer
Please join with us in thanksgiving to God for:
An excellent Diocesan Synod last November, evaluating the previous 2 years and planning our future ministry, which includes the 5 year evangelistic strategy underway throughout the Anglican Church of Congo.
The recent ordination service at Pentecost where 25 men and women were ordained – pray for them in their ministry.
Our dedicated staff who serve faithfully across the Diocese.
Please pray for:
Upcoming evangelistic campaigns in this Diocese, particularly in Kumuru Archdeaconry where evangelists and choirs will minister, sharing God’s love and the good news of salvation through Jesus.
Effective follow-up of those who commit their lives to Christ, so their faith in Jesus will grow strong and deep.
A forthcoming training for evangelists in Mahagi Archdeaconry.
Church-planting in Kaliko Omi collectivity, specifically at Manda, Awuba and Mado.
Fruitful political dialogue leading to lasting peace in eastern DRC.
The suffering population, particularly in North and South Kivu regions and parts of Ituri, affected by the violence and insecurity, who are experiencing trauma, displacement, injury and lack of access to basic necessities of water, food and shelter. May they know God’s compassion and enduring love giving them hope, and His provision for their needs.
Wisdom, vision and strength for Archbishop Ande is his diocesan and national responsibilities, and frequent travel.
BACKGROUND
Aru - Boga – Chester Link Established 2008
Aru and Boga Dioceses are found in the North East of the DRC, bordering
Uganda, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
Population c. 110,000,000
Size: 2.35 million sq km
Almost 10 x size of UK, 2nd largest country in Africa
Rainforest – second largest area of rainforest in the world
42% of children have stunted growth through malnutrition
Health: Cholera, Measles, Ebola, Mpox ….
250 Ethnic Groups and languages.
Main shared languages are French, Lingala and Swahili
Rich in resources, esp. mining: gold, copper, cobalt, uranium, zinc … Many nations want these resources.
>100 armed groups, notably’ M23’ Tutsi-led, supported by Rwanda. Huge influence of the DRC’s surrounding nations.
6m died since 1996. A further 6m currently displaced internally. Eastern Congo is the most insecure.
SOME HISTORY
Former Belgian colony, initially as the personal possession of King Leopold 1885 – 1908. Massive atrocities.
Independence from Belgium in 1960. Mobutu Sese Seko grabbed power amidst chaos in 1965.
Renamed Zaire 1971 by Mobuto up to 1997 when Mobutu was ousted by Laurent Kabila (who was assassinated in 2001).
Elections in December 2023 returned President Felix Tshisekedi for a second term.