Over 5,000 Christians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have chosen action over silence after coming together to make their voices heard by signing the Arise Africa petition.
On Sunday, 27 September 2026, worshippers across 38 churches of the Evangelical Community in Central Africa (CECA) stood together and joined the Arise Africa Campaign, signing the petition aimed at amplifying the voices of millions of Christians affected by violence and persecution in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and across Sub-Saharan Africa.
For communities in the DRC’s eastern Beni Territory, the campaign is deeply personal.
Years of violence attributed to armed groups, particularly from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), have left many Christian families living with the consequences of displacement, loss, and insecurity. Churches, schools, health centres, and livelihoods have all been affected.
For many believers, persecution is not an abstract concept discussed in sermons. It’s part of their daily reality.
RENEWED SENSE OF PURPOSE
Among those leading the effort is Reverend Adubango*, who oversees 38 CECA churches in eastern DRC. Moved by the impact of Open Doors’ Persecution Preparedness Training, he instructed churches under his leadership to dedicate an entire month to teaching on persecution and helping believers understand their role in responding to it.
“Many Christians have abandoned their farms. They have become displaced and left their homes behind. Many of our schools are closed, our health facilities are closed, our churches are closed, and evangelism is no longer advancing as it once did because of the insecurity caused by the ADF. Let us sign the petition and raise the voice of the Church,” Reverend Adubango urges.
His words resonate deeply with congregations that have witnessed the cost of insecurity firsthand.
The seminars also renewed a sense of purpose among church leaders. One local leader says:
“The seminars awakened us. The prophetic role of the Church was ignored by some servants of God. We organised teachings on persecution in our churches for one month, and we plan to extend them to our home fellowship groups so that our members can be prepared.”
SILENCE NOT AN OPTION
The response has been encouraging.
Church members not only signed the petition but committed to becoming ambassadors for the campaign, too. Through WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, and personal networks, they are encouraging others to join the movement.
The story unfolding in eastern DRC demonstrates that advocacy begins when ordinary believers decide that silence is no longer an option. What started with a handful of seminars has mobilised 38 churches, awakened congregations to their prophetic responsibility, and transformed worshippers into advocates for justice.
*Name changed for security purposes
Pray
- That the Arise Africa Campaign will inspire more Christians to speak up for the persecuted Church
- For God’s protection over Christians, churches, and communities affected by violence
- That God will transform the hearts of those who carry out violence and persecution
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
