Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, President of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, asked Christians, during this period of remembrance, to promote peace.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda gives a message for peace during this period when Rwanda remembers its children, victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“We encourage you to promote peace in your homes, in your Christian communities and in your villages,” says Cardinal Kambanda. “A Christian is always a catalyst for peace and unity wherever he is because he gets it from God, his creator,” says Rwanda’s first cardinal. “Teach the youngest to respect and protect life, teach them the values that characterize a true Rwandan before it becomes too late, you will have honoured your God who created and saved you,” he added.
He calls on Christians to behave impeccably. “Do not be dominated by hatred and resentment, do not be hostages of the drama experienced by Rwandans, rather be characterized by restraint and fraternal solidarity, approach the discouraged and comfort them,” he says.
To the clergy, he recommends unity
The president of the episcopal commission, who is also the archbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, did not forget the clergy to whom he recommends unity. “Be catalysts for the unity of God’s children and be an example in your personal relationships and in those with Christ who has chosen you,” Cardinal Kambanda asked priests and religious. “Always bearing in mind that Jesus prayed for his disciplines to be one and to be characterized by unity,” he said.
In the context of covid-19, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda instructs dioceses and parishes to encourage Christians to participate in all activities related to the period of remembrance, respecting the barrier gestures.
Priests, religious and the Justice and Peace Commission are called upon to strengthen the process of unity and reconciliation. They should also contribute to a good social reintegration of the released prisoners at the end of their sentence.
Gérard Rugambwa
