The Belgian Missionaries Who Defied Colonial Atrocities

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a lesser-known chapter of Belgium's colonial history: the role of Catholic missionaries in the Congo. While the Force Publique and rubber companies are infamous, some missionaries risked everything to expose atrocities. Focusing on the Scheutist fathers and figures like Father Jozef Van Reeth, we delve into how missionary stations became safe havens, how they documented abuses, and the tensions between the Vatican and King Leopold II. We also discuss the 1900s campaign by missionaries to halt forced labor, leading to the 1908 annexation of the Congo Free State. Shifting to later colonial rule, we examine missionary education and the complex legacy of schools that trained Congo's first elite. Finally, we touch on the 1960s post-independence violence and the missionaries who stayed. A nuanced look at those who opposed the system from within. #BelgianCongo #Missionaries #CatholicChurch #CongoFreeState #LeopoldII #Scheutist #JozefVanReeth #ForcePublique #RubberAtrocities #ColonialHistory #MissionaryStations #Vatican #1908Annexation #MissionarySchools #CongoleseHistory #Belgium #FexingoHistory #History #BelgiumHistory #Brussels Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo