Congo: Louzolo Amour church members drink beer to 'cast demons'

The mushrooming of churches in Congo, which first started in the 80s, shows no signs of end. Besides the Catholic Church there are numerous other churches which have been inspired by Protestant and Pentecostal worship.

In Congo’s economic capital, Pointe Noire, a church known as Louzolo Amour which preaches that drinking beer can “cast demons” continues to expand.

The church was founded by Guy Emile Loufoua Cetikouabo, who proclaimed himself God, and claims to be invisible by his followers. He is represented on earth by the current leader of the church called Charles Mikoungui Loundou.

“What we want to share with the world, is that we found a person who has the three characteristics of God, omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. That man is Guy Emile loufoua Cetikouabo. He was born without a navel, and that defies science,” a church member, Charles Mikoungui Loundou said.

This church bases its doctrine on the consumption of beer which they believe can be used to cleanse evil spirits. The faithful call this mixture of beer and faith, “biéramicine”.
Services which last up to 9 hours are dedicated to the healing of souls and bodies with sips of beer and praise.
People come from all walks of life mainly to seek an immediate solution to all their evils.

“I arrived here sick, brother Mikoungui gave me a bottle of beer, I drank a first sip, and a second, at the third one, I went into a trance, I then felt better,” a believer, Kondi Jean- Jacques, confessed.

“I believe beer can heal, if you drink it with faith”
he added.

Today, about 5,000 people attend this church that stretches across the country.
Its popularity in the Congolese society is increasingly growing, with authorities seemingly unable to control its activities.