Problem definition
The past 15 years Eastern Congo/Zaire has been marked by ongoing armed conflict. The inability of the weak state to effectively regain control over territories, resources, institutions and people led to an increasing influence of non-state actors. While quickly altering and reconfiguring militia groups continue to exercise control and to compete with the state, religious communities also show a continuity in their presence and apparent relevance for the population.
The church landscape on the Protestant side, though, like in many other parts of Africa, experiences a time of further diversification as many new churches come into being. With the multitude of Pentecostal Churches (more than 50 in Goma alone) forming a web across large areas, the question to what extent they actually take on the role as actors of civil society. As Gifford (1998: 347) explains, these churches hold the potential to e. g. break down ethnic barriers and thus contribute effectively to conflict transformation and a reconstruction of a fractured society. However, whether this active and deliberate involvement in society is a common phenomenon or whether they tend to be inwardly-oriented or experience certain obstacles in doing so, remains unclear.
Theoretical Background
According to Dudouet (2006: 50) the roots as well as the key to the transformation of protracted conflicts are located in the dialectical relationships between structures and agents and there are few organisations able to alter structures and the external environment of such conflicts. Therefore, the focus of the Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management has been on “agents of peaceful change” who contribute to the creation of just and peaceful sustainable structures. Lederach (1997) used the term “peace constituencies” in order to describe these agents as “network[s] of social and political actors (groups and individuals, especially influential leaders at the Track 2 and 3 levels[)], who have an interest in crisis prevention and peaceful forms of conflict settlement”. Of primary concern in this respect are “influential middle-range actors from different communities in a society who are willing and able to build bridges to like-minded people across the lines of conflict” (BRC website).
Research Question
During my fieldwork in Rwanda and the DRC I will analyse the way in which Pentecostal Churches in Eastern Congo deal with this situation marked by uncertainty and conflict. To this end I will try to analyse and sketch the societal relevance of the various Pentecostal Churches in Goma and find out about their attitudes and initiatives concerning the conflict and possibly conflict resolution. I plan to establish certain profiles and typologies which represent social and organisational structures of the churches as well as their interest in engaging in reconciliatory activities. The objective is to answer the question “To what extent can Pentecostal Churches in Eastern Congo be regarded as potential peace constituency?” by using the Pentecostal Churches in Goma as an example.
Hypotheses
Due to their theological orientation emphasising the role of Christians as ambassadors for reconciliation, Pentecostal Churches in Eastern Congo could play an active role in conflict transformation. Their regional (i. e. region of the Great Lakes) connection with other reconciliation activists could support an expansion of this kind of engagement. In this way, their potential for forming a peace constituency could indeed be enhanced.
Denominational as well as social (e. g. ethnic) tensions could constitute partially insurmountable obstacles to any kind of societally relevant engaging in conflict transformative activities. If conflicts within and between congregations exist and are not dealt with constructively, a significant role of Pentecostal Churches in the peace-process cannot be expected.
Bibliography
Berghof Research Center: Peace Constituency. http://www.berghof-foundation.de/en/glossary/peace-constituency, 28/06/2009.
Dudouet, Veronique (2006): Transitions from Violence to Peace. Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management: Berlin.
Gifford, Paul (1998): African Christianity. Its Public Role. London: C. Hurst & Co. (Publishers) Ltd. UBBT 55/BO 6 965 A 258 G 4.
Lederach, John Paul (1997): Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. Washington, D.C: United States Institute of Peace Press.
