Republic of the Congo Church Records

For information about records for non-Christian religions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, go to the Religious Records page.

How to Find the Records
FamilySearch does not have any Protestant church records available online or on microfilm. Visit the Church of Christ of the Congo's website for information about how to contact them here. They may have information for what records were kept and where to find them.

Historical Background
Christianity, which accounts for about 79% of the population, is by far the largest religion in the country. Approximately 38% of the Democratic Republic of the Congo identify as Protestants. The first Protestant missions were established in 1878. Most Protestant churches are a part of the Church of Christ in the Congo (CCC), which is a large union of many different denominations in the Congo.

How to Find the Records
FamilySearch has one collection available online in the catalog. Most church records are only available in the parish churches where they were recorded.

Online Resources and Websites

 * 1906-1936: République démocratique du Congo, Bas-Congo, Kisantu, Paroisse Notre Dame de Sept Douleurs, 1894-2016 at FamilySearch Catalog – images

Historical Background
About half of all Congolese people are Catholic, making it the largest religion in the country. The Catholic church is the majority religion largely because Belgium colonized the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 19th century. During the colonial period, the Belgian government supported the Catholic churches missionaries, schools, and hospitals.

Information Recorded in the Records
These parish registers contain cards that list each person's baptism, confirmation, first communion, marriage, and death. Each card lists the person's name, parents' names, residence, and the dates of events.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints first arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1986. This denomination has 42,689 members in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo, accessed 7 November 2019.

Kimbanguist Church
This religion was founded by Simon Kimbangu in the early 1920s. In its early days, leaders held anti-European sentiments, which lasted until the Congo gained its independence. Today there are about 300,000 members. Wikipedia contributors, "Religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo," in "Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia," https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo, accessed 7 November 2019.