Clergy pledge more support to unity, reconciliation efforts

HUYE – Members of the clergy from Butare Catholic Diocese have reiterated their support to the government’s unity and reconciliation efforts. They made the resolution during a three -day training workshop on unity, reconciliation, peace and justice, held at Gihindamuyaga, in Huye district recently. The training was sponsored by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with Butare Diocese. It attracted over 30 priests from all parishes. Father Emmanuel Tubane, the chairman of the Justice and Peace Commission of Butare Diocese, remarked that the training would strengthen the capacity of the participants to preach reconciliation for the purposes of boosting the larger government efforts centred around unity. “Some of the priests in our diocese do not necessarily prioritise unity and reconciliation activities. However, this training will help priests to understand their significance in promoting unity and reconciliation programs during their pastoral activities,” he said. He thanked the government for working tirelessly towards reconciliation, promising continuous Catholic church support to such initiatives. Church leaders also promised to continue working with the Justice and Peace Commission to identify and assist vulnerable people and genocide survivors in their respective parishes. Joseph Muyango, a CRS- Justice and Peace Program Manager, remarked that the clergy have the ability to impart positive change in the society. “Church leaders should use their positions and influence to impact on the community. Justice, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation should be part of the preaching in addition to the gospel of Christ,” he said. Ends