Republic of Congo

Capital: Brazzaville

Major Language: French

Area: 342,000 km2

Population: 5.7 million

HDI Rank: 149 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 2 million (33.5%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 1.1 million (20%)

Awakening Churches/Christian Revival: 1.3 million (23%)

Other: 1.4 million (23.5%)

General Information:

The region was first inhabited by Kongo tribes and the Pygmies. In 1483 Portuguese explorers arrived in Kongo. They became involved in the slave trade. In 1880 France took control of the region. Congo gained independence in 1960. Civil wars and militia conflicts have plagued the country since independence. After two decades of communism and a bloody civil war (1997-2001), the country became democratic. The great apes, such as the bonobos and the eastern lowland gorillas, can be found only in Congo. Soccer is a very popular sport.

Religious Background:

Religious freedoms in Republic of Congo are generally respected. The nation has been Christianized, but many hold a superficial belief in basic Christian ideas combined with animistic rituals and idols. The indigenous religions are deep-rooted. A significant number of professing Christians practice Kimbanguism, which is the practice of Christian religion together with their native religions. The Kimbanguist Church is said to be the largest independent church in Africa. Up to 50% of the population are animists, and the practice of Totemism is common.

Catholic background:

Catholicism was first introduced in the 15th century by the Catholic missionaries who came along with the Portuguese traders. Capuchin missionary arrived in 1663 and converted the king and more than 2000 subjects. A century later French missionaries arrived and the Vicariate Apostolic of the French Congo was created in 1886. Catholicism has a significant impact on the economy, as well as the political and social life of the Congolese nation. The Church is composed of 3 archdioceses, 7 dioceses and 158 parishes. Patron saint: None.

Prayer Points

1. Congolese to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 2 million Catholics in Republic of Congo.
Catholicism is syncretized with native religious beliefs and practices. Pray for open doors for the gospel to be preached among them.
Pray that God will pour His Spirit of intercession and call as many Christians as possible to pray for the Catholics in the country.
Pray that they would understand that Jesus saves them completely and forever the moment they trust Him as their Savior.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 158 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 238 priests, 152 brothers and 232 sisters.
Pray that the gospel will be taken to the entire Catholic population in the country. Ask the Lord for doors to be opened to preach the gospel.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical growth has been slow. False beliefs and practices and a lack of sound biblical teaching is a concern. Pray for the Evangelicals to recapture the vision for evangelism of the entire country and that the resources will be effectively used. Pray that more Evangelicals will be involved in praying and reaching out with the gospel.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Over half the Congolese continue to suffer in abject poverty. Civil war and political instability are constant threats. Ask the Lord for the healing of the nation and for all political corruption and violence in the country to end.

5. Other Religions

Muslims are less than 2% in the country. Half the population practice traditional African Religion and Animism. Pray for a pure gospel to be proclaimed that is devoid of syncretism and heresy, and for all false beliefs and practices to end.