MUHANGA - Religious leaders have been asked to be exemplary so as to play a significant role in championing social and economic transformation in their respective communities.

The call was made by Yvonne Mutakwasuku, the Mayor of Muhanga District, while opening a religious leader’s leadership training in the Southern Province.

The week-long training attracted pastors from the Presbyterian and Anglican churches of Rwanda, Namibia, Malaysia and Germany.

The pastors will train on basic strategic management, implementation and evaluation of institutional strategic plans, vision driven leadership, and financial management principals among others.

Mutakwasuku, who represented government, said religious leaders need to constantly be updated on the current leadership trends.

"The role of churches is pivotal in attaining the specific developmental targets of our communities. We need collaboration in transforming people’s lives and this can be attained if religious leaders become role models,” Mutakwasuku said.

She also noted that development should be taken up as a major objective of churches in Rwanda.

Bishop Jered Kalimba, the shepherd of Shygowe Diocese, noted that the training was timely.

"The church needs to be part of development to provide better services for spiritual and material growth,” Kalimba said.

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