The current outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic the Congo (DRC) is another layer of trauma and isolation for Christians who are already traumatised and displaced after Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacks.
Since the Ebola outbreak, at least 9 pastors have passed away, and most church activities have been suspended.
According to a Red Cross official, the Ebola epidemic has not yet peaked and could last for a year, Reuters reports.
In DRC where the centre of the outbreak is, more than 95% of people are Christians. In the east however, Christians face severe pressure amid violent conflict, according to the World Watch List 2026. The Allied Democratic Forces, religious extremists with ties to the Islamic State group, have deliberately targeted Christian communities through massacres, abductions, and the destruction of churches.
The outbreak has compounded existing hardships caused by ADF attacks and killings. Displaced families in Bunia, already suffering from violence, now face the added threat of Ebola. “We live in terrible conditions in the camps. We lack everything to survive, and now Ebola has arrived. Only God can help us,” said Karba, a displaced resident.
Outbreak Further Isolates the Church
The Ebola outbreak is severely hindering church activities. As of 9 June 2026, six pastors in Bunia, the capital of Ituri, have died from the virus. Authorities in Ituri require strict disinfecting operations and barrier measures to curb the spread of the virus. These include one-metre social distancing, no more than 50 people in attendance of services, and strict measures for all burials.
In Bunia, the one church suspended services after losing two pastors and a congregant to Ebola. “Our community comes together every month to thank God, but this prayer has been suspended (to stop the spread of the virus). Ebola impacts the church on spiritual, emotional, economic, and social levels,” said Pastor Eugene.
Faith leaders are adapting worship practices to limit transmission. At a second church, pews that once held nine worshippers now seat only five, while Sunday schools have been suspended. Church services, night prayer vigils, celebrations of the lives of Christians, and choir singing at burials have been replaced by the government with a one-minute prayer at the burial grounds.
Baptisms have been halted across Ituri and North Kivu. “Our community just suspended baptism because of Ebola. It is impossible to organise such an important activity now,” explained Marie, a member of a congregation.
Local churches are responding with prayer and public health messaging, urging members to respect hygiene measures and avoid misinformation. “Some of our faithful members are in isolation, others under observation. We added a special prayer in our liturgy for this situation. We live with stress, and only God can rescue us,” said Pastor Samy.
The military governor of Ituri has ordered the suspension of all sporting activities across the province. Primary schools have also been closed as part of precautionary measures. These actions reflect a broader effort to reinforce public safety.
Impact on the Persecuted Church
The impact on the Church has been a slow onset. Christians in eastern DRC who face persecution and find encouragement in the church and their community are often now deprived of fellowship due to the restriction on gathering.
In Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps where people are displaced to, most live in crowded areas where health conditions are already not ideal. Pastors and church leaders are also among the most vulnerable as they lead fellowship and burials. IDPs and pastors face a greater risk of exposure to the virus.
Please pray:
- Pray God brings healing to those infected with Ebola and delivers communities from the spread of the disease. Also, pray that God inspires health workers to find remedies for Ebola.
- Pray that families who have lost loved ones receive peace, hope, and restoration in the midst of grief.
- That Christians strengthen their faith during this crisis
- Pray for protection, wisdom, and endurance for healthcare workers, pastors, and volunteers serving on the frontlines.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
