SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — Christian youths in the Southern Province have resolved to spearhead spiritual healing and foster unity and reconciliation in Church communities. 

The youths resolved on Wednesday after a training session under the theme, "The need of spiritual healing, unity and reconciliation in church communities after the Genocide.”

The training was sponsored by the Africa Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE) and attracted youth leaders from 10 churches in the Muhanga, Kamonyi and Ruhango districts.

Dina Nyiraneza, an AEE official, said that the training was part of a wider campaign to stem genocide ideology among Christians in the area, by designing a broader approach to tackle the problems caused by genocide.

Nyiraneza said, "We want to bring Christian youth leaders on board to address genocide ideology issues, which are largely evident in church communities…to educate residents to abandon genocide ideology through healing, forgiveness and using the word of God.”

During the training, participants prayed while reflecting on the history of genocide, its impact and the role of the church in healing people’s hearts.

Most youths acknowledged that the hearts of all Rwandans need spiritual healing in order to attain unity and reconciliation.

Agnes Uwayisenga, a genocide survivor from Kamonyi said, "I have been able to notice the unresolved internal conflicts caused by genocide and I now realise that forgiveness and prayer are the way forward for youngsters to build a new country based on truth and unity.” 

Similar training sessions have been held with pastors, teachers and primary school pupils all aimed at building the capacity of Christians to deal with post genocide issues.

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