Archbishop Ande visit from DRC

This visit came at the invitation of Five Talents UK, and Archbishop Ande said he felt compelled to use the opportunity to reconnect with Chester.

Archbishop Ande, who speaks several languages including French, Swahili, Lingala and Lubara, expressed his own joy at returning to Chester, a link that he described as vital for the Church’s understanding of itself as part of a global family.

“The church can’t be in a box,” he explained. “The church is more universal. So we have to work with other people… It is good to be with Chester, and we have been together for many years.”

In the Diocese of Aru and across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mission and evangelism are flourishing despite ongoing insecurity and conflict in the eastern regions.

Archbishop Ande spoke of the province’s ambitious vision and emphasised that spiritual growth is happening even as communities face violence, displacement, and political manipulation.

“In the eastern part of Congo, the trouble is still going on… people are dying. But also mission is going on. We see the impact.

“We are working together with other churches, but also with Muslims, to bring peace because politicians like fighting… But the Lord said, look after my people.”

Bishop Mark asked how Christians in Chester could best support their brothers and sisters in Congo.

Archbishop Ande was clear: “It is good to pray for peace, but also to pray for mission.”

He added a personal request for prayer, noting the enormous distances he must travel in the course of ministry: “Travel is not easy in Congo… Often I am not in Aru with the family, but the family needs me. So if you can pray for that, and also for our bishops who travel a lot.”

Bishop Mark says:  “Do please continue to pray for Archbishop Ande, for the Diocese of Aru, and for the whole nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo.”