MWE Correspondent
The Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has openly opposed a government directive requiring schools to allow pregnant girls to continue their education alongside other students.
In a strongly worded public letter, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO)—the body that oversees the Catholic Church’s operations in the country—stated that its more than 18,000 affiliated schools will not follow the policy.
The letter was addressed to the DRC’s Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education, which had earlier announced the decision to allow pregnant girls to remain in school. The government emphasized this move as a step toward promoting inclusive education and reducing gender inequality.
However, the Catholic bishops argue that permitting visibly pregnant students to stay in class undermines both moral discipline and the spiritual values the Church upholds. They believe such a move could send the wrong message to young students and encourage what they described as “moral decline.”
“We cannot accept the presence of pregnant girls in our classrooms. It is inconsistent with the values of Catholic education,” the letter states. According to CENCO, any student who becomes pregnant will be advised to transfer to public schools, where government officials can manage the new policy directly.
Also Read; Trump Expands Global Tariffs, Over 150 Nations Affected
This latest decision deepens an already complex relationship between the Church and the Congolese state. The DRC Constitution guarantees the right to education for all citizens. But historically, pregnant girls have often been stigmatized, forced to drop out, or denied the opportunity to complete their studies.
While many human rights organizations have applauded the government’s attempt to end the long-standing discrimination against young mothers, CENCO maintains that the moral integrity of its institutions must be preserved.
The Church’s stance mirrors similar debates across Africa, where balancing social progress with religious values continues to challenge education reforms. Some countries, like Tanzania, have faced international backlash for expelling pregnant schoolgirls, while others, such as Sierra Leone, have reversed previous bans and now promote reintegration programs.
The Catholic Church plays a major role in Congolese education, with a vast network of schools serving millions of students. Any policy they choose to ignore could result in uneven enforcement, especially in rural areas where Catholic institutions dominate.
Advocates of inclusive education fear this resistance could discourage young girls from returning to school after pregnancy. They argue that policies should be rooted in compassion and a rights-based approach that gives every girl the chance to continue her learning journey.
