Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has urged churches to continue spreading messages that support Rwandans’ wellbeing, in addition to building “a Rwandan who is confident and able to find solutions from within. He made the call on Saturday, December 6, at Amahoro Stadium as the Catholic Church marked 125 years in Rwanda, coinciding with the global 2025 Christianity Jubilee. ALSO READ: Catholic Church marks 125 years in Rwanda He reminded the gathering that a healthy spirit requires a healthy body, “what church scholars often refer to as 'mens sana in corpore sano.' Cleanliness, he said, remains central to good health, helping prevent disease and protect overall well-being. ALSO READ: Religion: A look at teachings, practices prohibited in Rwanda The Prime Minister commended the Catholic Church for its long-standing contribution. “In the 125 years the Catholic Church has been in Rwanda, it has truly accomplished a great deal in the life of the country, so much that listing everything would take us until dawn. The government will always be grateful for its contribution,” he said. ALSO READ: Kwibuka31: Catholic Church urges faithful to assist Genocide survivors He noted the church’s support to families and young people, as well as its role in standing with vulnerable communities. He also recognised its contribution to unity and healing after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a journey he said was made possible through sacrifice, courage and love. He stressed the shared responsibility of government and faith-based organisations in supporting family wellbeing and strengthening the education of children. Ensuring that no child is left behind, he noted, remains a national priority. “A child who learns is a country being built,” he said, adding that the government is confident churches, especially the Catholic Church, will continue their efforts in this area. Nsengiyumva reaffirmed the government’s appreciation of its long partnership with the Catholic Church, describing it as a strong pillar of Rwanda’s development. He said the collaboration will continue with mutual respect for the benefit of all Rwandans. He encouraged the church leaders and Christians to use the Jubilee as a moment of renewal and to reaffirm their commitment to serving as a source of goodness. “A good Christian is one who strives for unity and serves as a model through their actions.”
