Genocide was committed individually

Editor, I think Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Diocese of Kabgayi is right: Those Christians from the Roman Catholic Church, who committed crimes during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, did so as individuals – not in the name of the Church.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013
L-R: The Minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, Jean de Dieu Mucyo, and Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege of Kabgayi Diocese during a past Genocide commemoration event. . The New Times / File.

Editor, I think Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Diocese of Kabgayi is right: Those Christians from the Roman Catholic Church, who committed crimes during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, did so as individuals – not in the name of the Church.Therefore, they should be brought to justice and be held accountable for their acts, and punished accordingly if found guilty.The Roman Catholic Church, as an institution, has been preaching love and peace, but unfortunately some of its followers conspired in committing the Genocide. Those who are found guilty should apologise and seek forgiveness, thus contributing to the national effort in search for unity and reconciliation. Thank you.Joseph, Kigali,RwandaReaction to the story, "Genocide: Should the Church prefer reconciliation over accountability?”, (The New Times, April 13)