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American Clergy Hold Peace Rallies throughout Rwanda
Monday, November 13, 2006
Severeal American clergymen and women arrived in Rwanda on November 13 to deliver the UPF peace message at rallies around the country. They were warmly welcomed at the Kigali airport by several representatives of UPF-Rwanda, two Members of Parliament, a bishop from the Baptist church, a sheikh, and several Ambassadors for Peace. After settling in at a hotel, the guests were taken to visit a memorial site for the 1994 genocide so that they could understand something about Rwanda's recent tragic past.
The national TV and national radio then conducted an interview with Bishop Henry Coaxum and the Secretary General of UPF-Rwanda.
Everyone proceeded to a welcoming party, where we were joined by the Executive Secretary of the Committee of National Unity and Reconciliation in Rwanda. Three of the American clergy then traveled to the sites where they speak at rallies the following day.
On November I4, rallies were conducted in all eight sites. Apart from one rally which had 75 guests, all other sites attracted an attendance of more than 150 people. Two Members of Parliament, a bishop, a sheikh, and other Ambassadors for Peace accompanied the clergy to the various sites for the rallies, where all the programs went well. The clergy and the local Ambassadors for Peace were all very pleased and excited. People in the audience danced for the clergy, who also joined the dancing.
The next day our request to see President Paul Kagame was accepted, but it turned out that he had been scheduled to attend an important meeting of heads of states outside the country. However, the President’s Special Adviser graciously met with the delegation from the Universal Peace Federation.
The Special Adviser was happy to meet the clergy from the United States who had come as special guest speakers for the rallies. First of all, each one introduced himself or herself. Afterwards, the Special Adviser to the President explained about the work the government was doing and the challenges it was facing after the genocide. One of the greatest challenges is to encourage the religious people of Rwanda to come together and help in the reconciliation of the people. The Special Adviser was pleased that our organization had brought religious people to work for peace. There are certain areas that the government cannot take care of, and that is where religious people should come in.
After he had spoken, there was time for each person to ask questions or to speak. The American clergy gave their comments and views and said that they appreciated all the efforts the government of Rwanda was putting forward to bring its people together. They especially recommended that the government should work together with religious people to heal the wounds that were made by the genocide. They used the opportunity to testify to Rev. and Mrs. Moon and their work for world peace, and to give their impressions about Rwanda.
An Ambassador for Peace certificate was presented to the Special Adviser, representing the President.
Afterwards, there was a victory celebration and farewell party for the eight American clergymen and women. The main impression of the American clergy was that the government of Rwanda was doing its best for the country and that Rwandanese people are people with deep hearts who are very gracious and welcoming. The local Ambassadors for Peace and distinguished leaders were also impressed and expressed hope that UPF could play a significant role in Rwanda.
To read a message delivered during the UPF peace rallies click here.