The second annual ‘Interdenominational Prayer for Peace in the Congo’, organised by the CRC (Conflict Resolution Centre) Bradford, was held at the Cathedral on the evening of Sunday 22nd October 2023.
The service was opened by the Revd Canon Ned Lunn before Canon Furaha welcomed those who had gathered, referencing Congo Week and Black History Month.
Furaha then invited her parents to the front where – as the Mussanzi Family Choir – they sang Saa ya Maombi, a song that acted as an opening prayer. This was followed by a scripture reading by Sam Baka, and then a film which talked about the effects of cobalt mining on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which highlighted the human and environmental cost of going ‘green’.
After the 30-minute film there was a Prayer of Confession led by Bimala; an Assurance of Pardon by Ben Mussanzi; and Prayers of Intercession by Nigel Guy of Windrush Generations.
The service was brought to a conclusion by a Christian Aid Affirmation; a Benediction (in English and Lingala); and the Mussanzi Family Choir singinb Hakuna Munga Kawa Wewe.
Finally there was a concluding reading by Canon Furaha, and a final congregational song Let There Be Peace on Earth, before everyone gathered together at the front to reflect and offer thanks for the evening, before retiring for refreshments, including the always popular Congolese doughnuts!