Clerics urged to include cultural norms in sermons

Clerics have been urged to link the scripture with cultural norms in order to deliver balanced inspirations to their followers. The call was made on Thursday, in Kigali, by various officials during a one day meeting between representatives of religious groups and government institutions. The meeting, was organised by Rwanda Governance Board as part of the ongoing ‘Nkuwikorera’ campaign. The meeting which brought together a total of 120 representatives of religious groups operating in Rwanda, focused on how public institutions and religious groups can work together to deliver better service to Rwandans. Prof Anastase Shyaka, the chief executive officer of Rwanda Governance Board, said that the Nkuwikorera campaign that’s designed to encourage every service provider to serve better shouldn’t be limited to only government institutions but also extended to non-governmental organisations because they all serve Rwandans. “Religious leaders serve many people and their service delivery should be better. They serve people in different sectors, including education, health among others. Faith based organisations play a big role in the implementation of government programmes, that’s why their intervention is needed in Nkuwikorera campaign. If our policy is to promote quality education, this is not observed by only public schools but also schools owned by faith-based organisations,” Shyaka said. He said Nkuwikorera campaign has contributed much to service delivery. The campaign has so far accelerated payment of Rwf 500 million in different sectors which was not paid on time previously. Julienne Uwacu, the minister for Sports and Culture, noted that clerics need include Godly and cultural values in their sermons to ensure that faithful grow with religious and social norms. “Places of worship accommodate people of different backgrounds but leaders should know how to successfully manage them. Godly values should be matched with cultural values,”Uwacu said. Religious leaders speak Sheikh Mussa Gatete, the representative of Rwanda Muslim Community in Gasabo District, said: “Serving people doesn’t cost anything. Better service delivery symbolises accountability and if the religious denominations do not serve people effectively, they are not serving God or accomplishing their mission. Our commitment is to improve our services exceptionally.” Bishop Aline Muhoza, the representative of Banguka Yesu Agutabare Church in Kanombe, said she would improve her language in church as well as deliver more sermons on social conduct of her followers. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Clerics urged to include cultural norms in sermons