Communication
Programs and Events
Ambassador meets with Congolese Religious Leaders on September 11
Ambassador William Garvelink met with religious leaders on September 11 to discuss tolerance and honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States. The meeting was held in the embassy’s public affairs auditorium. The Ambassador delivered a statement commending the DRC’s religious communities on their tolerance, saying, in part: “While the DRC often looks to other countries for examples in economic development and democratic institutions, the rest of the world could learn from the Congolese how to be more tolerant of those who hold different religious beliefs.” The guests then spoke on issues of tolerance and interfaith cooperation, followed by a minute of silent meditation.
Local religious leaders in attendance were Bishop Felicien Mwanama, vice-secretary general of the National Catholic Conference of Bishops of the Congo; Bishop Vangu Songo, first vice president of the Church of Christ, Congo; Imam Sheik Abdala Mangala Luaba, representative of the Islamic Community of the Congo; Rabbi Shlomo Bentolila, grand rabbi of the Israelite Community of the Congo and of Central Africa; the Rev. Phaka Nsimba, of the Kimbanguist Church; and Bishop Albert Kankienza, representing the Evangelical Churches.