In a milestone event for family cohesion and legal empowerment, ALARM-Congo, through its Peacebuilding Department, organized a civil marriage legalization ceremony for 30 pastoral couples in the city of Kindu. Held at the National Railway Company Hall (SNCC), this transformative event responded to a growing need for clarity and legality in marital unions, especially within Christian communities.

This initiative followed an awareness workshop on the Congolese Family Code, where participants learned the critical difference between religious blessing and legally recognized civil marriage. Armed with the Family Code, the Bible, and a comprehensive marriage module, ALARM aimed to rectify long-standing misunderstandings that had led many church leaders to perform unofficial marriages without civil authority.

A Joyous and Historic Celebration

The official ceremony, held before the Civil Registrar of Kindu, was both legal and deeply emotional. Each couple had their union legally recognized, marking a new chapter not only in their personal lives but in the collective progress of the community.

Festivities were filled with gratitude and joy, as couples received symbolic gifts and heartfelt support. The event drew praise from civil authorities and the broader community alike.

Voices of Impact

Testimonies captured the depth of the moment:

Mrs. Mimie ZUBEDA, Bourgomaster of Mikelenge, stated:
“Since I’ve been in office, this is the first time I’ve seen such an excellent and well-organized wedding event. ALARM deserves our full support.”

Pierre LUKUSU, a pastor from the 5th CELPA, expressed his emotion after legalizing his 17-year union:
“Thanks to ALARM, our marriage is finally legal. We even received a Djeep worth $28,000. My family will never forget this day.”

Pastor DJATE Onokoko added:
“I never imagined celebrating a marriage that aligns with Congolese law. This day is a turning point for my family.”

USUKU Philippe, a Catholic catechist, declared:
“ALARM is bringing change to Kindu. Ignorance is being replaced by understanding. May God bless ALARM.”

The Okitadiome Couple from the Methodist Church shared:
“Following our legal marriage, the bride’s family gifted us a plot of land and a job opportunity. This is a life-changing moment.”

Outcomes and Future Plans

 

• • 30 pastoral couples are now officially married under civil law.

• • The initiative clarified the distinction between religious blessings and civil marriage.

• • ALARM gained increased credibility and visibility as a peacebuilding actor in the region.

• • The event mobilized Christian families to support legal marital practices.

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite the success, the demand for marriage legalization exceeded the available resources. Many couples are still waiting for the same opportunity, and misinformation around the church’s role in marriage persists in remote areas.

ALARM recommends:

 

• • Seeking partners to expand the program province-wide.

• • Ongoing awareness campaigns within churches.

• • Resource mobilization to serve more couples in the future.

A Vision for Peace through Family Legality

This landmark event underscores ALARM’s mission: to restore dignity, promote peace, and uphold the rule of law. By anchoring families in legal truth and mutual respect, ALARM continues to sow seeds of transformation in Central Africa.