The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is pushing forward its spiritual diplomacy agenda. On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Presidential Envoy Ambassador Antoine Ghonda Mangalibi met in New York with Jenny Korn, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Faith Office.
The meeting, highlighted by American Christian leader Travis Johnson, marks another step in strengthening ties between Kinshasa and Washington in the field of faith-based diplomacy. “I was honored to be present this morning in New York with Jenny Korn, Director of the White House Faith Office, and Ambassador Antoine Ghonda of the DRC. Both are dear friends — a brother and a sister in Christ,” Johnson said after the exchange, held during the U.S. State Department’s annual Prayer Breakfast.
Jenny Korn, a key voice at the White House
A Los Angeles native, Jenny Korn is a well-respected figure in American political and religious circles. With nearly two decades of experience bridging government and faith communities, she previously served in senior roles during the first Trump administration. Today, as head of the Faith Office, she plays a central role in shaping the Administration’s outreach to faith-based organizations. Her influence on the White House’s moral and spiritual agenda underscores the importance of her meeting with President Félix Tshisekedi’s envoy.
Expanding faith diplomacy between Kinshasa and Washington
The meeting builds on the faith diplomacy initiative launched by President Tshisekedi, which began with his visit to Alabama and continued last July when Kinshasa hosted a delegation of ten American pastors affiliated with the White House Faith Office. The initiative seeks to strengthen spiritual and ethical bridges around peace, reconciliation, and international solidarity.
For Travis Johnson, prayer remains an essential part of the process. “Please continue to pray for peace in the DRC. Many thanks to all who joined me in lifting up this important point of prayer,” he urged.
With this high-level exchange, the DRC reaffirms its intention to give a spiritual dimension to its diplomacy by working closely with global Christian networks committed to peace and stability.
Jonas Eugène Kota
