People in Goma are “hungrier than ever for the basic truths of the Christian faith” a year on from attacks by M23 rebels on Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Rwandan-backed force invaded the city in January 2025, leaving around 3,000 dead and 700,000 displaced. However, Martin Gordo, the Bishop of Goma, has revealed to the Church Mission Society (CMS) that a spiritual awakening has captured the area amidst the negative headlines, with thousands exploring matters of faith and becoming Christians.
Gordon revealed that he and his fellow workers have recently had access to areas which they had not previously been able to visit for three years, and that church attendance figures across his archdeaconry doubled last year, while thousands of children are attending church-run events. He believes this points to a widespread desire for spiritual understanding, partly due to the church being the “one institution that is still trusted in DRC”.
