We have come here to bring to you the support of the House of Bishops and the Christians of Congo, not just the Anglicans, but all the confessing Christians of Congo, for your courage, having stood firm in the traditional faith of the Anglican church, and in the doctrinal foundation: The Bible.

The practice of homosexuality and the blessing of same sex unions surely contradict this foundational document of our Christian life. On this subject, everyone in Congo cried out against the scandal in God’s church, within the Anglican Episcopal denominations. The Anglican Church of Congo was identified as a church of homosexuals and all the sister churches were ready to pull away from us, as though we were a church of Satan, which did not recognize the Word of God.

Fortunately, all of our Bishops responded quickly using the media such as the radio, newspaper, and public statements in order to clarify our position. We explained to the public that not all Anglicans have the same views as our brother and sister churches in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. We have condemned without restraint the acceptance of homosexuality and the blessing of same sex unions. We have made them understand that even in the United States, many of our brothers and sisters have held firm in their traditional faith in choosing to remain loyal to the biblical teachings and Christian morality instead of following their animal instincts.

We know that many dioceses here are having a difficult time with ECUSA because of having stayed firm in their faith. This is also true for certain parishes with their Bishops and certain parishioners with their Priests. But, do not forget, that as faith grows with persecution, so will the church. Remember the history of the martyrs, of the church, through out the centuries. This is the cost of following Jesus.

The Archbishops Emmanuel Mbona Kolini and Yong Ping Chung were also persecuted.

Due to their support of the creation of AMiA (which defends a just cause), and the consecration of missionary Bishops: Rt. Rev. Charles Murphy and Rt. Rev. John Rodgers. The Archbishop of Canterbury wrote a disapproving letter to them, but “where the Holy Spirit leads there is no doubt.” AMiA courageously followed the right path and today we see the results. We must courageously reject all that is against the Word of God and seek His will.

The initiative of AMiA is a prophetic vision. Today’s sad events in ECUSA seek to break a communion that has been built for five centuries, through the living out of the Christian Orthodox faith, based on the Bible. My hope is that the missionary work of AMiA and all those who choose the Orthodox faith will save the Anglican Communion.

In Congo and maybe elsewhere, we have already been warned by our Occidental partners that because of issuing the statement showing our stand against homosexuality, there is little hope that we will be able to secure financial support from the United States for our dioceses. It is also said that the Anglican Church of Congo is already very poor and will consequently suffer even more. But, we have made our decision with the full knowledge of the consequences that will follow. Our response is clear. “No one can force us to sell or to exchange our faith in Jesus Christ, neither for money, nor can they force us to go against that which is clearly preached to us, following Biblical teaching. We will hold firm to the side of Jesus in spite of our poverty.” God will certainly raise the good will to support his church in Congo and around the world.

We know what God wants to use us for, the poor countries as well as the rich, working in mutual support, through prayer, the pastorate and even in material things, all for the prosperity of His church, here in Congo and around the world. Now is the time to allow God to work through us in His service.

It is also our responsibility as Christians to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters who are lost in their faith, so that they will realize that they have strayed and come back to Jesus in a sincere repentance for the reconciliation of our Communion as the Body of Christ.

I also want to once again reassure you of our sincere support, our prayers and our hope for the success of this winter conference 2004. Our great hope is to see AMiA prosper and become a powerful instrument of mission and witness to the Risen Christ in the United States and around the world. May the work of the Holy Spirit continue to visible in AMiA ministry

+Dirokpa

The Most Reverend Dr. DIROKPA BALUFUGA Fidele
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Congo and bishop of BUKAVU and KINSHASA dioceses