Watch: 5,000 believers in DRC help reach one million petition target

Thousands of those who added their voices to the Arise Africa petition – helping reach our one million target – live in countries where violent persecution against Christians is happening. For so many of them, like those living in DRC, the campaign is deeply personal.

You did it! More than one million people have now signed the Arise Africa petition and helped get the world talking about the violent persecution facing millions of Christians in sub-Saharan Africa. Thank you so much for adding your voice. 

Reaching the target has truly been a global effort, reflecting how God’s family transcends borders and nationalities. Together, the worldwide church has united to suffer with those who suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). 

5,000 sign petition in eastern DRC 

For a good number of those who added their voice, the campaign is deeply personal – and that includes many of the 5,000 people who gathered from 38 churches in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in September to sign the petition.  

Christian communities in DRC’s eastern Beni territory have been overwhelmed by violence from armed groups, notably the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). It’s brought indescribable loss, pain and trauma, with believers killed and many more displaced. Churches, homes and schools have been closed or destroyed. The country is 29th on the World Watch List.  

For many believers there, persecution is not an abstract concept discussed in sermons – it’s part of their daily reality. 

A month of campaigning 

In September, following persecution survival training with local partners, church leaders began teaching congregations about the biblical responsibility to stand with suffering believers and to raise their voices on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. 

Among those leading the effort is Rev. Adubango*, who oversees 38 CECA churches in eastern DRC. Moved by the impact of the training, he instructed churches under his leadership to dedicate an entire month to teaching on persecution and helping believers understand their role in responding to it. 

“Many Christians have abandoned their farms. They have become displaced and left their homes behind. Many of our schools are closed, our health facilities are closed, our churches are closed, and evangelism is no longer advancing as it once did because of the insecurity caused by the ADF. Let us sign the petition and raise the voice of the church,” Rev. Adubango said. 

His words resonated deeply with congregations who have witnessed first-hand the suffering he spoke about.  

Signing and singing 

“The seminars awakened us,” a church leader shared. “The prophetic role of the church was ignored by some servants of God. We organised teachings on persecution in our churches for one month, and we plan to extend them to our home fellowship groups so that our members can be prepared,” he said. 

As worship services concluded on 27 September, believers lined up to add their voices to the petition. At the Francophone CECA church, members signed while praying and singing, creating a powerful atmosphere of faith and unity. What might have seemed like a simple act of putting pen to paper became a declaration that persecuted Christians are not forgotten.  

Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 31:8 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” – church leaders challenged believers to defend those whose voices often go unheard. 

“The objective of the Arise Africa campaign is noble. When I read Proverbs 31:8, I call on Christians around the world to raise the voice of the persecuted church by signing this petition. In fact, it is one of the missions of the church,” Rev. Adubango said. 

Spreading word on WhatsApp 

Church members not only signed the petition, but also committed to becoming ambassadors of the campaign. Through WhatsApp groups, social media platforms and personal networks, they are encouraging others to join the movement. 

“Through our various WhatsApp groups and other digital platforms, let us share the link and encourage Christians to sign the petition,” said Pastor Jonas*. 

The story unfolding in eastern DRC demonstrates that advocacy begins when ordinary believers decide that silence is no longer an option. What started with a handful of seminars has mobilised 38 churches, awakened congregations to their prophetic responsibility, and transformed worshippers into advocates for justice. 

As the Arise Africa campaign continues across the continent, the signatures collected in eastern DRC represent more than names on a petition. They represent a collective cry for recognition, protection and action on behalf of persecuted Christians. They are a reminder that even in places marked by suffering, the church can still unite, speak boldly and inspire hope. 

*Names changed for security reasons