Simon Kimbangu

Simon Kimbangu is perhaps one of the most famous founders of an African initiated church. The church body he found remains highly influential in the DRC, counting over five million members. He began his ministry after a vision, which led him to become an itinerate preacher and healer. His activities put him in conflict with the authorities, who gave him a death sentence which was commuted to life imprisonment. After his death in 1951, stories circulated about his resurrection. Kimbangu was the founder of a truly indigenous African church, which continues to address the spiritual needs of African people with a creative theology.