Kimbanguism

The Kimbanguist ( official name: Eglise de Jesus Christ sur ​​Terre par le A Prophet Simon Kimbangu ) is an African independent Christian church. Its membership is estimated between one and eight million believers. According to the company it counts twelve million members, of which five million in the Congo.

It was founded after the death of Simon Kimbangus by his followers, who regard him as a prophet. Their formation can be seen in the context of the brutal Belgian colonial rule, but rather based their character on the spiritual needs of oppressed people, than on a political rebellion.

In 1959 she was officially registered by the colonial authorities of the Belgian Congo. In 1969, she was taken with the support of the Moravian Church Switzerland in the World Council of Churches, the first of the African independent churches.

The Kimbanguist quite explicitly affirms the African religion and culture, which is reflected in structure and organization. The religious act draws on traditional forms of medicine (Trance, incantation, incarnation ). The church is aligned pacifist. A major role of the music, not only in the liturgy, the Church has two symphony orchestras and maintains the choir singing.

Head of the church is today (2012 ) Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, a grandson of the founder. He resides in Nkamba, the birthplace of the founder, who is there with his three sons ( also enjoy the almost divine worship ) in a mausoleum in front of the Cathedral buried.