The Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, a commission of the Catholic Church in Rwanda dedicated to promoting the values of peace and justice, has urged the faithful to assist survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, especially those who suffer from trauma and other societal issues. The message was delivered as Rwanda, on 7 April, began the 31st commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 31: How commemoration activities will unfold A statement signed by Anaclet Mwumvaneza, Bishop of Nyundo Diocese and Chairperson of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, said: “We once again express our heartfelt solidarity with the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, urging all the faithful to assist those suffering from trauma and other social issues. Let us continue to support one another, and may true Christianity foster genuine brotherhood among us.” ALSO READ: How ‘Mvura Nkuvure’ programme has enhanced cohesion, reconciliation The commission called upon Christians to play a significant role in the commemoration activities. “This year’s commemoration coincides with the period of Lent, reminding us of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. It is a time for us Christians to reflect on the cross of Christ, from which we derive our salvation. We first wish to stand in solidarity with Rwandans in remembrance, especially with the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in April 1994, saying to them: ‘Be strong.’” Call for unity, reconciliation The Catholic Church urged the faithful to also reflect on the strength of Rwandans in rebuilding their families and reconstructing the nation on the path of unity, reconciliation, and resilience. “It is a painful history, but it should leave us with a profound lesson: those who unite to build should not lose hope. The Catholic Church in Rwanda, through its institutions, especially the Commission for Justice and Peace, has consistently contributed to and will continue to contribute to the journey of unity, reconciliation, and lasting peace. The Justice and Peace Commission accompanies those who are committed to seeking forgiveness,” reads the statement. ALSO READ: Study shows strong post-genocide resilience among Rwandans The commission called upon those who participated in the Genocide against the Tutsi to seek forgiveness, while also encouraging survivors to grant forgiveness so that the Rwandan community can continue to rebuild, slowly but surely. “Forgiveness is a necessary balm to heal from the harshness of history, enabling us to look forward to a future where our descendants can thrive in a nation free from division.” “When people come together, no evil can infiltrate and divide them. After these 31 years, Rwandans in general and the faithful in particular should reflect through the lens of unity,” it stated. This year, the Catholic Church is celebrating the Jubilee of 2,025 years of the Incarnation, since Jesus became man and revealed God the Father to Christians, and the Jubilee of 125 years since the Gospel reached Rwanda. “It is also a moment for us to reject anything contrary to the Gospel of love that could pull us back into the darkness of hatred, violence, and murder. Therefore, we continue to encourage the faithful and all people of goodwill to shed the heart of malice and instead strive for peace and calm with the aim of unity and resilience,” says the message. Message to youth In particular, the Justice and Peace Commission insisted that the youth of Rwanda should firmly establish values that help them cultivate a spirit of humanity. The commission emphasised that the culture of valuing goodness, pursuing truth, and developing integrity is what will empower the young to be beneficial to the country. “The youth should also reject attitudes of hatred, violence, betrayal, and the negative ideologies that fuel genocide and murder. When one commits to being a slave to such attitudes at a young age, it leads to missing the purpose of life.” Drawing inspiration from heroes “During this time of remembrance and prayer for those who lost their lives in the Genocide against the Tutsi in April 1994, we hope that Christians will take inspiration from the heroic individuals who stood up for those targeted during the genocide, some of whom even sacrificed their own lives. “These are the guardians of the bond of brotherhood. They demonstrated that brotherhood and a heart of compassion endure even in times of hardship. These heroic individuals already shine as a light into our hearts and serve as role models for us,” adds the commission’s message. It also said that it is beneficial for the culture of selflessness and peace to be integrated into the school curriculum so that the young grow up with values of peace, integrity, and selflessness. For years, the Catholic church, just like many other religious denominations, especially of Christian faith, have been on the spot for the role of senior clerics in the Genocide against the Tutsi. Tens of thousands of the Tutsi were killed in catholic churches where they had sought refuge.
