The Chaplain of the Christian Family Community (CFC), Mr. Abbé Matthieu Musua Mimbari, proposed on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, during his speech at the symposium of this organization, at the Limete site of the Catholic University of Congo (UCC) ecumenical dialogue as a means to block the path to external anti-values that tend to destroy the basic cells of our societies and call for a general mobilization in the face of the threat faced by African families.

Speaking on the topic: "Free unions and their impact on the family situation," he pointed out that Africa must take seriously the threat that hangs over the continent. Faced with imported ideologies that are contrary to African values, he suggested: "Do not let Christian families be denigrated on their own land." For Abbé Musua, the Church must fully involve itself by enriching its evangelical approach to marriage.

Earlier, the participants attended the conference

Addressing the theme: "Setting the bride price: the discrepancy between cultural demands and those experienced in urban areas," Professor Achille Bundjoko from the National Pedagogical University (UPN) observed that these modifications have caused a sort of blockage for those wishing to seal their union. He also noted that the process of consuming goods resulting from the payment of the bride price sometimes leads to misunderstandings among the woman's family members, calling on the audience to understand that every human society is characterized by instability because it is forced to adapt. To that extent, he believes that such modifications must be addressed. Herein lies the role of authorities who must regulate society.

Participants also had the opportunity to listen to a conference given by Professor Célestin Katubadi from the UCC who spoke on the topic: "Mass media for stabilization and promotion of the family." As a teacher of communication, he challenged the media. In his view, they should give a prominent place to the family in their writings and broadcasts.

The floor was also granted to Mr. Darius Tshey from the Higher Institute of Family and Couple (ISFC) belonging to the CFC. His topic was: "Evaluation of the family situation since the revision of the Family Code in 2016." For this attorney, there was an absolute necessity to adapt this law to the times, given that in the meantime the country had joined other international conventions.

Participants were then invited to follow the testimony of Mrs. Viviane Mandemvo, president of the School of Sisters commission (Ecosoeurs), a service of the CFC. She demonstrated that the bride price constitutes a genuine ordeal for both the man and the woman.

Following this testimony, the participants were convinced that, contrary to certain opinions, no one comes out as a winner from this current practice of the bride price, where the logic of appearance and distinction seeks to prevail.

This activity, which began at the start of this week, is part of the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the CFC. It was organized in collaboration with the ISFC and the UCC.

Boni Tsala