On January 23, 2020, a canonical procedure was initiated against Father Antoine Kitandja Lokavu, a priest of the diocese of Tshumbé (Democratic Republic of Congo) and a member of the Emmanuel Community. This procedure follows complaints of sexual abuse filed against him by several women.

In a decree dated March 23, 2023, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, asked by Antoine Kitandja Lokavu to rule on a final appeal, confirmed his guilt. The Diocese of Tshumbé had then communicated the following Roman decision: prohibition of any public ministry for a period of 5 years and perpetual prohibition of confessions and of any individual spiritual accompaniment (see the press release dated 12/08/2023).

Since then, reports of new facts have been brought to the attention of the government of the Emmanuel Community. It was also recently confirmed that Father Kitandja Lokavu had not complied with the measures taken against him.

Under these conditions, following a procedure during which the person concerned did not wish to present his defense, the Council of the Clerical Association of the Emmanuel Community (ACCE), on May 7, 2025, decided to definitively expel Father Kitandja Lokavu from the ACCE, and consequently from the Emmanuel Community. The decision to expel must now be confirmed by the Dicastery for the Clergy.

We remind everyone that there are listening services for anyone who would have to complain about abusive behavior by Father Kitandja Lokavu or more broadly by a representative of the Catholic Church, cleric or lay. You will find below the useful links.

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What to do in case of sexual abuse, abuse of power or of conscience?

If you have been a victim of sexual violence (touching, assault, rape, etc.), abuse of power or conscience, especially in the context of activities organized by the Emmanuel Community or by one of its members (priest or lay person), we encourage you to get in touch with people who can listen to you and help you. Every victim has the right to bring to the attention of the Justice system the violence he or she suffers. To do this, you can go to the police or gendarmerie to file a complaint. In addition, you can also receive help from professionals who can listen to you and help you.

There are adapted organizations that are independent of the Catholic Church. There are also listening cells within the dioceses and, in some countries, organizations that act in the name of the Church but which enjoy total independence. Below are some useful contacts for this purpose.

Commission for the Prevention and Fight against Abuse of the Emmanuel Community

• The Commission for the Prevention and Fight against Abuses of the Emmanuel Community. To do so, please contact us by email: ecoutevictime@emmanuelco.org. Your email will be read by one of its members who will contact you to set the terms of a listening.

Organizations in each country

You can also contact local organizations that exist in each country.