Christianity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The history of Christianity in the area of the modern-day Congo is closely linked to the history of [[Western European colonialism and colonization|European colonial expansion]].

The history of Christianity in the area of the modern-day Congo is closely linked to the history of [[Western European colonialism and colonization|European colonial expansion]].

The earliest evidence for the adoption of [[Christianity|Christian religious practices]] in the area of the modern-day [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] dates to the late 15th century. In 1491, [[João I of Kongo|King Nzinga]] of the [[Kongo Kingdom]]{{efn|The [[Kongo Kingdom]] was located on the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic coast]] of [[Central Africa]] in parts of modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, [[Republic of the Congo]], and [[Angola]].}} converted to [[Roman Catholicism]], taking the [[Christian name]] João, after coming into contact with [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese colonial explorers]]. The conversion facilitated trade with the Portuguese and increased the status of the Kongo Kingdom in the eyes of European states. [[Afonso I of Kongo|Afonso I]] ({{reign}}1506–43) even travelled to Europe where he studied religion. The Kongo Kingdom adopted a form of Catholicism and was recognised by the Papacy, preserving the beliefs for nearly 200 years.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ross|first=Emma George|title=African Christianity in Kongo|publisher=Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History (Metropolitan Museum of Art)|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/acko/hd_acko.htm|access-date=16 October 2016}}</ref>

The earliest evidence for the adoption of [[Christianity|Christian religious practices]] in the area of the modern-day [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] dates to the late 15th century. In 1491, [[João I of Kongo|King Nzinga]] of the [[Kongo Kingdom]]{{efn|The [[Kongo Kingdom]] was located on the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic coast]] of [[Central Africa]] in parts of modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, [[Republic of the Congo]], and [[Angola]].}} converted to [[Christianity]], taking the [[Christian name]] João, after coming into contact with [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese colonial explorers]]. The conversion facilitated trade with the Portuguese and increased the status of the Kongo Kingdom in the eyes of European states. [[Afonso I of Kongo|Afonso I]] ({{reign}}1506–43) even travelled to Europe where he studied religion. The Kongo Kingdom adopted a form of Catholicism and was recognised by the Papacy, preserving the beliefs for nearly 200 years.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ross|first=Emma George|title=African Christianity in Kongo|publisher=Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History (Metropolitan Museum of Art)|url=http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/acko/hd_acko.htm|access-date=16 October 2016}}</ref>

The largest expansion of Christianity occurred under [[Belgium|Belgian]] colonial rule. In 1885, Belgium's monarch, [[Leopold II of Belgium|Leopold II]], established a personal colony in Central Africa known as the [[Congo Free State]] which, in 1908, was annexed by Belgium as the [[Belgian Congo]]. Under both the Free State and Belgian regimes, [[Christian mission]]s were encouraged to work in the Congo as part of the [[civilising mission]] which served as the colonial project's justification to European public opinion.{{sfn|Boyle|1995|p=453}} Missionaries played an important role in providing schooling during the colonial period.{{sfn|Boyle|1995|p=453}} Catholic mission, for example, helped to establish the Congo's first university, [[Lovanium]], in 1954.{{sfn|Boyle|1995|p=458}}

The largest expansion of Christianity occurred under [[Belgium|Belgian]] colonial rule. In 1885, Belgium's monarch, [[Leopold II of Belgium|Leopold II]], established a personal colony in Central Africa known as the [[Congo Free State]] which, in 1908, was annexed by Belgium as the [[Belgian Congo]]. Under both the Free State and Belgian regimes, [[Christian mission]]s were encouraged to work in the Congo as part of the [[civilising mission]] which served as the colonial project's justification to European public opinion.{{sfn|Boyle|1995|p=453}} Missionaries played an important role in providing schooling during the colonial period.{{sfn|Boyle|1995|p=453}} Catholic mission, for example, helped to establish the Congo's first university, [[Lovanium]], in 1954.{{sfn|Boyle|1995|p=458}}