Congo

This article examines the growth of the Anglican Church of Congo (EAC) which experienced significant growth from 1992 as an independent province, aided by having the correct structures in place and a political situation more conducive to church growth. Indeed, the appeal to utaratibu (order) as a valued attribute of Anglican worship and structure aided expansion in a number of ways both locally and nationally. The Church has grown in a situation of chronic poverty and instability, exacerbated by a series of wars from 1996 and local conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that continue until the present day. War has taken its toll on the infrastructure of the Church and challenged its mission and pastoral care. It has also been instrumental in its spread, through refugees, into neighbouring countries.