Audio By Carbonatix
A Christian group mainly based in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on Wednesday marking Christmas Day to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
The Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by His Special Envoy Simon Kimbangu has about 20 million followers in the country, but also enjoys a following in neighbouring Angola.
It's also called Kimbanguist Church after its founder Simon Kimbangu.
The church was last year suspended from the World Council of Churches for theological reasons.
Since 2016, the church has been celebrating Christmas Day on 25 May according to its understanding of the bible.
Mr Kimbangu was sentenced to death in 1921 for sedition and died after serving about 30 years in jail.
He died in Kasombo prison in the southern city of Lubumbashi, then known as Élisabethville.
He was reported to have fallen ill while in prison and was rushed to hospital where he died.
Latest Stories
-
Accra turns white as Dîner en Blanc delivers night of elegance and culture
1 hour -
War-torn Myanmar voting in widely criticised ‘sham’ election
3 hours -
Justice by guesswork is dangerous – Constitution Review Chair calls for data-driven court reforms
3 hours -
Justice delayed is justice denied, the system is failing litigants – Constitution Review Chair
4 hours -
Reform without data is a gamble – Constitution Review Chair warns against rushing Supreme Court changes
4 hours -
Rich and voiceless: How Putin has kept Russia’s billionaires on side in the war against Ukraine
5 hours -
Cruise ship hits reef on first trip since leaving passenger on island
5 hours -
UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy
5 hours -
Attack on Kyiv shows ‘Russia doesn’t want peace’, Zelensky says
5 hours -
Two dead in 50-vehicle pile up on Japan highway
5 hours -
Fearing deportation, Hondurans in the US send more cash home than ever before
5 hours -
New York blanketed in snow, sparking travel chaos
6 hours -
Creative Canvas 2025: Documenting Ghana’s creative year beyond the noise
9 hours -
We would have lost that game last season – Guardiola
9 hours -
Nigeria reach AFCON last 16 despite Tunisia fightback
9 hours