The church has a major role to play in helping Rwandans embrace government programmes in order for them to achieve socio-economic development, Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi has said. 

The premier was on Saturday addressing the Catholic faithful who had gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ruhengeri Diocese in Musanze District.

The golden jubilee brought together government officials, papal representatives and different religious congregations of the Catholic Church.

The premier urged the different Christian sects in the country to ensure that the Christian values they preach go hand-in-hand with national policies in order to speed up development.

"I urge the Church to keep mobilising Christians and encouraging them to heed government programmes such as modern farming, investing in businesses, saving, paying community health insurance, promoting education, promoting hygiene and family planning,” Murekezi said.

He said churches should also teach love among Rwandans, adding that it was the lack of love and tolerance that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"We urge churches to keep preaching love and development, ” said Murekezi.

The premier hailed the Catholic Church and Ruhengeri Diocese, in particular, for its important contribution to different sectors such as education, health and hospitality.

"Particularly, we are proud of concrete achievements of Ruhengeri Diocese visible through various academic institutions, tourism facilities, health facilities and supporting the vulnerable,” he said

Responding to the premier’s call, the head of Ruhengeri Diocese, Bishop Vincent Harolimana, promised to continue ensuring the welfare of the area residents.

"We will never cease to promote the people’s welfare in education, health, justice and peace in collaboration with the government at all levels,” Harolimana said.

Ruhengeri Diocese established in 1960 by Pope John XXIII, has built over 130 academic institutions starting from nursery school to tertiary level. It has 13 parishes and over 70 priests who serve a flock of over 390,000. editorial@newtimes.co.rw