DRC: warlords find faith after violence
For decades, DR Congo has suffered from chronic political instability, corruption and underdevelopment, worsened in recent years by the growth of Islamist insurgency. One of the dioceses worst impacted is Boga in Uturi province on the border with Uganda. In August 2019, the Anglican hospital in Boga was destroyed by Islamist insurgents and 200 people were abducted.
Charles Raven; Open Doors Violence in Boga
The diocese also has a Bible training school which focuses on the essential work of training catechists and evangelists who are on the front line of mission. It functions as a training community of 86 people, 13 married students with their families, and 17 single students. This too was in Boga, but recently the security situation deteriorated to the extent that it became too dangerous to continue.
The site off Studland Road at Alum Chine. Photo: Google Street View PLANS to build dozens of flats on the derelict site of a former Alum Chine hotel have been approved. Amirez Ltd has been given planning permission for the latest scheme to redevelop the Chinehurst Hotel plot which it said would be more feasible than previous proposals. Council planning officer Charles Raven, who approved the plans, welcomed the redevelopment of the Studland Road brownfield site which has been vacant for a decade. Amirez submitted its application last year after attempts to construct schemes of a mix of flats and holiday lets that had already been given permission failed.