Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)
In the United States and Canada

February 22, 2016

The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Kerry:

Greetings from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, and the United
Church of Christ in the United States, and from Global Ministries, our shared mission engaging in
programs, witness, and service with partners around the world.
We are writing regarding the presidential elections later this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The
Disciples of Christ have been engaged in the Congo since 1899, and today our churches enjoy close relationships
with the Disciples of Christ Community in the Congo and the ecumenical Church of Christ in the Congo. In solidarity
with our Congolese partners we share a hope and determination that the elections be held as scheduled in
November and that a peaceful transition of leadership take place in the DRC. We understand that this is also the
goal of the U.S. and that the administration is urging President Joseph Kabila to concede to the constitutional limits
of his terms in office and to support free and fair elections for a new President.
We are concerned, however, that despite urgings from the U.S. and international community, President Kabila is
attempting to stay in power by trying to delay the elections and change Congos constitution, even at the risk of
instigating violence against and among the people. Time is running out to prepare effectively for successful
elections, and we are aware that if President Kabila proceeds to infringe upon Congos democratic process then
unrest and demonstrations are likely, as well as increased abuse of civil and human rights.
Moreover, despite the governments violent repression of protests last year, which led to at least 43 deaths, the
U.S. appears unwilling to apply a proportional increase in pressure upon President Kabilas administration. We
believe that unless the U.S. conveys a strong message and commitment to enact consequences in support of
democracy, President Kabila will intensify his hold on power and Congo will again descend into instability and
insecurity. Renewed fighting in the Congo may also destabilize the region. We encourage President Obamas
administration to put pressure on President Kabila and his senior advisors now, by placing his inner circle on
targeted sanctions lists before it is too late, beginning criminal investigations into their abuses and corruption, and
supporting civil society with legal aid.
As we offer mutual support with our partners, our prayers are with the people of the Congo during this anxious
time. We urge the U.S. to make peace and democracy in the DRC a priority, and to work vigorously to support free
and fair elections in the Congo this fall.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer

General Minister and President
United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins

General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the
U.S.A. and Canada

Rev. Dr. James Moos, Executive Minister

Wider Church Ministries
United Church of Christ
Co-Executive, Global Ministries

Rev. Julia Brown Karimu, President

Division of Overseas Ministries
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Co-Executive, Global Ministries