Religious leaders have been urged to promote Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative by inculcating into their respective congregations the culture of telling the truth and to openly talk about the country’s history.

Addressing religious leaders attending a two-day retreat about the Ndi Umunyarwanda spirit in Musanze District, on Tuesday, Venancie Tugireyezu, the minister in the Office of the President, said laities have done a lot to bring about peace, unity and reconciliation, but there was need for everyone to be on board. 

"We still find it important to constructively discuss the history of this country. It is through openly talking about our history that we shall be able to uproot genocide ideology that is still prevalent among some of our compatriots,” Tugireyezu said.

The minister said it was absurd that some employers still look at ethnicity while recruiting.

"This is why government saw it important to go a step further in fostering unity to encourage everyone to come forth, tell the truth of what happened and seek forgiveness. This is what Ndi Umunyarwanda is all about,” she said.

Clerics committed

The minister told the religious leaders to uphold the doctrine of the Church that urges those who sin to apologise.

She said seeking forgiveness and forgiving requires one to be gentle and flexibility, virtues she urged clerics to instill in their followers.

Church leaders said they were committed to promoting  the Ndi Umunyarwanda initiative, saying it will boost unity and reconciliation among Rwandans, thus help build a strong nation.

Anglican Church Bishop Alex Birindabagabo, of Gahini Diocese, said the retreat will be a good platform to discuss the country’s history and decide on how they can play their respective role in supporting this noble cause.

Pastor Corneille Munyamasoko Gato, the legal representative of the Baptist churches, said religious leaders were in better position to make ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ a success because of the proximity and respect they command from the masses.

"The mission of the Gospel is to preach unity and togetherness; it is therefore our divine mandate to ensure that Ndi Umunyarwanda delivers its intended purpose,” said Munyamasoko.