Kimbanguism facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kimbanguism |
|
|---|---|
| French: Kimbanguisme | |
Simon Kimbangu
|
|
| Abbreviation | J.C.C.E.S.K. |
| Type | New christian religious movement |
| Classification | African initiated church |
| Father | Simon Kimbangu Kiangani |
| Region | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Language | French, Lingala, Kikongo |
| Headquarters | Nkamba Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Founder | Simon Kimbangu |
| Origin | April 1921 |
| Members | 6 million |
| Other name(s) | Jesus Christ's Church on earth by his special Envoy Simon Kimbangu |
Kimbanguism (French: Kimbanguisme) is a Christian faith that started in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also known as the Jesus Christ's Church on Earth by His Special Envoy Simon Kimbangu. This church was founded by Simon Kimbangu in 1921.
It is a large Christian group that began in Africa. About 6 million people are part of this church. Its main center is in a place called Nkamba in the Kongo Central region. The Kimbanguist Church used to be a member of big international church groups. These included the World Council of Churches and the All Africa Conference of Churches. However, in 2021, the World Council of Churches ended its membership due to different beliefs.
Contents
History of Kimbanguism
In April 1921, Simon Kimbangu, who was a Baptist teacher, started a big movement. He was known for amazing healings and teaching from the Bible. Many working people left their jobs to listen to him. They were interested in his messages about freedom.
The Belgian rulers of the Congo felt threatened by this new movement. They saw it as a challenge to their control. Because of this, they put Kimbangu in prison. He stayed there until he passed away in 1951. The Belgian government officially recognized the church in 1959. Some smaller groups in Central Africa still see Kimbangu as a prophet from God.
Simon Kimbangu's Life
The Kimbanguist Church teaches that Simon Kimbangu came to Earth as a baby in Congo. His father was a traditional religious leader. But both of his parents died, and he became an orphan. His aunt then took care of him.
She sent him to a Baptist missionary school. He studied there for many years. When he grew up, he became a preacher.
Kimbanguist Beliefs and Practices
The Kimbanguist Church avoids politics. It follows strict rules about how people should live. They do not believe in using violence. They also reject having more than one spouse (polygamy). The church teaches against magic, witchcraft, alcohol, tobacco, and dancing.
Their worship style is similar to Baptists. However, they did not start using the Holy Communion until 1971.
Important Dates
There are three very important dates in the Kimbanguist year:
- 6 April: This day marks when Simon Kimbangu started his healing work.
- 25 May: This is celebrated as Christmas. It is the birthday of Father Dialungana. He is believed to be Jesus reborn.
- 12 October: This day remembers when Simon Kimbangu passed away.
The church believes that Nkamba, their headquarters, is the "New Jerusalem" mentioned in the Bible.
Understanding God
The Kimbanguist Church believes that Simon Kimbangu is the Holy Spirit. This idea comes from a Bible verse in John 14:15–17. Like many Christian groups, Kimbanguists start and end their prayers using the Trinitarian formula. This means they pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Besides Simon Kimbangu, the church also includes other important figures in their understanding of God:
- Father Kisolokele: He was Kimbangu's first son and is seen as God the Father.
- Father Salomon Diangani Dialungana: He was Kimbangu's second son. He is believed to be Jesus reborn.
- Father Diangienda Kuntima: He was Kimbangu's last son. He is seen as Kimbangu reborn and the second human form of the Holy Spirit.
- Father Simon Kimbangu Kiangani: He is Kimbangu's grandson. He is the third human form of the Holy Spirit. He has been the church's spiritual leader since 2001.
The way the Kimbanguist Church views Simon Kimbangu has caused some debate. Other Christian groups believe it goes against the traditional idea of the Trinity. Because of these differences in belief, the church's membership in the World Council of Churches was ended in 2021.
Church Leadership
The Kimbanguist Church has a clear structure for its leaders:
- The spiritual head, called Diangienda.
- Adjunct spiritual heads, who are Dialungana and Kisolokele (Simon Kimbangu's other sons).
- Bansadisi, who are healers.
- Legal representatives for churches in different countries.
- Regional leaders and their teams.
- Subregional leaders and their teams.
- Main parish ministers, evangelists, and helpers.
- Parish-section ministers, evangelists, and helpers.
- Regular church members, called congregants.
See also
- Mandombe script
- Simon-Pierre Mpadi
- Bundu dia Kongo
