What’s up with Kimbanguism?

The birth of the Kimbanguist church came from a man by the name of Simon Kimbangu (Baptist, 1887-1951). The movement of his Christian awakening occurred in his hometown of Nkamba beginning in 1921 with the healing of a woman by praying and the laying on of hands.

In his early childhood he was said to have performed miracles such as turning a feather into a bird and rotten fruit into a fresh one. He went to church and was an Anglican Catechist before being baptized in 1915 by the British Baptist Missionary Society.

Supposedly, Kimbangu recieved a spiritual awakening through coversations with Jesus. He preached the Word of God and prophesied the end of colonialism and the oppression of the African people

His message and mission gathered many followers. He even had 12 Apostles to assist him with his duties. They traveled across the land curing people of their ailments and spreading the word.

The Belgian government accused Kimbangu of practicing witchcraft. They believed the miracles that were being performed by using “kindoki” (witchcraft).

He replied:

“I am the one who gives life. I cure people from blindness, paralysis, and mental illness, and much more, yet you accuse me of something bad. But satan who stripped you of your life, who decided you would be born deaf, blind, lame, and stole the soundness of your mind. Him you do not accuse of anything.”

On September 12, 1921, he was arrested and charged with sedition. He was sentenced to death, however, his sentence changed to life imprisonment with 120 lashes.  He died 30 years later in prison.

Despite his 30 years in prison, he continued to be regarded as a spiritual leader.

His three sons and wife were also persecuted by the Belgians. The movement was banned and its members were subject to deportation. It is estimated that between 1921 and 1957 about 150 000 Kimbanguists were deported.

In 1959 Kimbangu’s youngest son became head of the church. He built the Kimbanguist Church as it is seen today.

For more information:

http://www.katinkahesselink.net/his/Kimgangu.html

http://www.pctii.org/wcc/churches96.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Kimbangu

http://www.africareview.com/Special%20Reports/-/825444/825722/-/rseiy3/-/index.html

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