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RSSResponse to Civil Unrest in the DR Congo
October 13, 2008
Episcopal Relief & Development is providing critical emergency assistance to more than 200 displaced people from the Province de L’Eglise Anglican in the north-east region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bishop Isingoma and delegates of the Diocese of Boga were forced to flee their homes last week after a recent upsurge of rebel violence. They were able to circumvent the rebels by traveling for two days through the forests to seek refuge in Bunia, the capitol of the Ituri province.
Now, about 40 families are temporarily living in church buildings in Bunia. United Nations peacekeepers have been stationed around Bunia to quell the violence but tensions remain high as government troops clash with rebels in neighboring regions only 6 miles away from the Bunia. As the threat of attack persists outside of the town, displaced people are continuing to seek shelter in Bunia churches. It remains unclear when the rebel groups will disperse and allow the families to securely return home. Episcopal Relief & Development is providing funds for the churches to feed and shelter the refugees until they can safely relocate.
Janette O'Neill, Senior Program Advisor for Episcopal Relief & Development, met with the Congolese representative in Uganda last week about the Bunia situation then traveled to visit program sites at the Diocese of Aru, Congo.
To make a donation that will directly support people displaced by the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo contact Episcopal Relief & Development and make a contribution to the “Disaster Response Fund.” These emergency funds allow Episcopal Relief & Development to immediately assist people and stay in the community to help rebuild. Visit us online at www.er-d.org , or call 1.800.334.7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development “Disaster Response Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief & Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
