Churches are on the frontline of the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Bishop of Goma.
Rt Rev Martin Gordon said while there is widespread mistrust of health authorities, the church is one of the few institutions in the region "still trusted to tell the truth.”
He told Church Mission Society (CMS) that two Ebola treatment centres had been set on fire because many communities remain sceptical about the existence of Ebola, while restrictions surrounding burials have intensified tensions. During a previous outbreak of Ebola between 2018 and 2020, the bishop said there had been nearly 500 attacks against health facilities and 25 frontline medical staff were killed.
The Diocese of Goma has circulated pastoral guidance outlining Ebola symptoms and encouraging best hygiene practices. It's also planning to equip churches and schools with temperature screening equipment. “The church is on the frontline. We are at the heart of every village and community, and we are one of the few institutions still trusted to tell the truth,” said the bishop.
The church is expanding training across the diocese in the coming months and a mobilisation conference for clergy, evangelists, teachers, and church staff in Goma has been scheduled.
Church leaders are also renewing partnerships with journalists and community leaders to combat misinformation and promote life-saving public health messaging.
Bishop Martin added: “We need support to strengthen awareness raising, equip frontline churches and schools, and help communities respond effectively”.
“But above all, we ask people to pray – for rapid mobilisation of resources, protection for health workers, effective treatment development and for churches to continue to be voices of hope.”
Andy Roberts, CEO of CMS, said; “Bishop Martin and other church leaders like him have shown extraordinary courage. When a health crisis of this magnitude strikes an area already experiencing socio-political vulnerability, the Church is often the primary safety net. They are not fleeing the danger; they are moving toward it with love, practical help and hope. We urgently ask the global community to lift them up in prayer, for protection over church workers, wisdom in stopping the spread, and for the necessary medical resources to reach the region swiftly.”
At least 280 people have died in the Ebola outbreak in DRC and there are more than a thousand suspected cases.