Canon Law: Launch of a book in tribute to Abbot Bokwanga

KINSHASA, July 17, 2026 – A moving scholarly tribute is being prepared to honor the memory of Professor Abbé Sylvestre Bokwanga, who recently passed away. His former students have just launched a major call for contributions to a collective work. This significant publishing project is entitled: “The Penal System of the Catholic Church: Foundations, Qualification, and Practice.”

This academic initiative aims to explore the workings of ecclesiastical justice through seven specific thematic areas. Researchers are invited to examine the foundations of sanctions, the objective sources of canon criminal law, and the classification of offenses. The project also addresses imputability, the application of medicinal or expiatory punishments, the analysis of specific offenses (such as abuse of power or abuse of minors), and finally, the strengths and weaknesses of this legal system.

A strict schedule for contributors

The submission guidelines require articles of 10 to 12 pages, written in Palatino Linotype font (size 13), with strictly standardized footnotes. The scientific calendar has already been established:

• From July 20 to August 20, 2026 : Receipt of articles by the protocol.
• From August 20 to September 20, 2026 : Text correction phase.
• From September 20 to October 20, 2026 : Final formatting and publication.

The scientific coordination of this commemorative work is overseen by Dr. Abbé Faustin Agenocan Bithum. Contributions should be sent directly to him electronically.

A fitting adage : Human justice passes away, but the rigor of science and the law of the Church remain the eternal guardians of truth.

TMNews@130726