By Chris Simpson in Kigali

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing fresh opposition from the Roman Catholic church after banning an archbishop from returning to his diocese.

Archbishop Emmanuel Kataliko, who has been a prominent critic of the rebel Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) and its Rwandan backers, was prevented from flying to Bukavu in the east on Saturday. In an open letter to the RCD, the Catholic church in Bukavu warned that its priests would not give the sacrament or perform any other religious duties until the ban on its archbishop was lifted and he was safely returned to the city.

Local church leaders say Monsignor Katariko is being punished for the recent wave of anti-rebel activity in Bukavu including a week long campaign of strikes and protest actions.

The archbishop used his last Christmas message to warn against the foreign occupation of Bukavu and the surrounding region of south Kivu.

But Monsignor Katariko's supporters say he has always advocated peaceful protests and is now being targeted simply because of the rebels long standing antipathy towards the Catholic church.

Banning order

The RCD has emphasised that the banning order will stay in place at least for the time being.

A rebel spokesman told the BBC that Monsignor Catalico had become a dangerous propogandist for Congolese President Laurent Kabila.

Using his position in the church to stir up anti-Rwandan feeling rather than acting as a voice of moderation.

But the rebels appear to be under increasing pressure in the areas they control.

Many observers believe the RCD has failed to build up any real support base amongst the Congolese population and is now paying the consequences.