Clergy urged to sensitise followers about forthcoming commemoration activities

Religious leaders in a meeting with CNLG

In preparation for the forthcoming 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi commemoration period, religious leaders have been called upon to bring their flock on board.

The call was made by the Executive Secretary of CNLG Mucyo Jean de Dieu while meeting religious leaders in preparation for the mourning period which starts on the April 7.

CNLG has also been conducting similar meeting with different with the aim of preparing well and conducting the 19th commemoration of the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994.

As people who are in constant contact with the public, he reminded them to sensitize their members to participate massively in the commemoration activities.

He reminded them that, genocide survivors mostly need moral and material support from the their communities, and it is where religious leaders have to show their solidarity and let the public they serve get involved effectively in all commemoration activities.

“Religion is where we find healing and hope. Further, history will show that the faith community is a key component to building an enduring society,” Mucyo told the religious leaders.

On their side, religious leaders committed to fully participate in commemoration, especially by making sure that their Sunday services end earlier so they can join others in their respective villages to keep one-minute silence at midday.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Let Us Commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi as we Strive for Self Reliance.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports and Culture, Protais Mitali has announced that this year’s Genocide Commemoration week will be marked at the Village (Umudugudu) level to further bring about more participation of the community in their localities.

The 19th Genocide commemoration will be held with a new commemoration colour – gray – which replaces purple that has been used for the past 18 years.