Premier urges Christians to avoid social conflicts

The church has been urged to be guided by the foundation of Christianity and avoid wrangles that result into violence.

Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, who was yesterday addressing the Roman Catholic believers in Rambura Sector, Nyabihu District, at the celebrations to mark the 100-year jubilee of Regina Pacis Rambura Parish in Nyundo Diocese, said that things like crimes of passion can be avoided if the church took a deliberate stance to inculcate morals in believers.

Habumuremyi hailed the contribution of the czhurch, especially Regina Pacis, in education, socio-economic transformation and other developmental activities that the parish has brought to the district.

“It is a pity that we still have domestic violence, including defilement of our children and murders. The jubilee should be a time of reflection for everyone to fight such vices and all should play a role,” the premier said.

“As Christians, we should all fight against corruption, drugs, among others, which impede the development of our country.”

He reminded the celebrants that what happened in Rwanda in 1994 during the Genocide where church leaders were killed by their followers or the vice versa should be a lesson for all to ensure it never happens again.

Habumuremyi urged Nyabihu residents to embrace the Ndi Umunyarwanda (I am a Rwandan) spirit which seeks to build a country that is based on trust and promotes Rwandaness. He also challenged them to support family planning and other government initiatives.

Bishop Alexis Habiyambere thanked Christians for the role they have played in nurturing Christianity in the country over the past century of the parish.

He said Christians help the church in self reliance through their contributions and priests and other church leaders depend on their support.

“We thank God for what has been achieved by the parish in 100 years and apologise for any wrongs we have done, we apologise for the Genocide that took place in this parish; three priests and many Christians were killed in this parish,” said the prelate.

The Apostolic Nuncio of Rwanda, Archbishop Luciano Russo, reminded Christians of their responsibility to build a strong church, a message he said came directly from Pope Francis.

Regina Pacis Rambura Parish was started by missionaries as a small church. It now serves more than 30,000 parishioners and has 23 secondary schools.

Premier urges Christians to avoid social conflicts