Spiritual leader dressed in leopard skin in the Church of Black People in Mbandaka, Equateur province, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

leopard skin church black people mbandaka equateur province africa ceremony ritual cultural traditions authority community religion worship african culture spirituality traditional dress people gathering faith identity heritage local customs leadership congregation symbolism rituals historical significance power beliefs unity expression practices clergy regional culture diversity cultural heritage african spirituality connection involvement local community tradition sacred space engagement society devotion worshippers attire nature vibrant culture respect