Catholic priest found shot dead in Congo as unrest continues

A Catholic priest has been found dead in the Congo days after another priest was abducted.

Father Etienne Sengiyumvam 28, was found 'shot in the head' hours after he had celebrated a wedding with his parishioners, the head of his diocese said.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is plagued by unrest. Reuters

'Father Etienne Sengiyumva was killed Sunday by the Mai Mai Nyatura [militia] in Kyahemba where he had just celebrated a mass including a baptism and a wedding,' Father Gonzague Nzabanita, head of the Goma diocese where the incident occurred, said according to AFP.

The Mai Mai Nyatura are an armed group operating in North Kivu, in eastern DR Congo.

The Congo has been torn apart by more than 20 years of war, exacerbated by ethnic conflicts and land disputes in a bid to control the country's rich mineral reserves.

Last week kidnappers took Father Célestin Ngango, parish priest of Saint Paul of Karambi, and are demanding $500,000 for his release.

Three other priests, Assumptionist Fathers Jean-Pierre Ndulani, Edmond Kisughi and Anselme Wasukundi, were abduced on October 19, 2012, and two more, Jean-Pierre Akilimali and Charles Kipasa, on July 17, 2017. None of them has been heard from since. 

News
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology

Some people think that you have to choose between science and religion, but that is not the case. This is the story …

US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”