[Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa] Rwanda's President Paul Kagame was among thousands of Anglican faithful who attended the official opening and blessing of John the Baptist Cathedral in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, earlier this week.

ACNS 3860 | RWANDA | 28 JULY 2004

Thousands witness opening of cathedral in Rwanda

The colourful event, held on Sunday 25 July, was presided over by the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda, the Most Revd Emmanuel Kolini, and the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Revd John Rucyahana.

An altar call made during the service saw 1,080 people accepting Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. The President congratulated the new believers and praised the Episcopal Church of Rwanda for its role in peace building and economic development.

Rwanda was devastated by genocide ten years ago, which claimed close to one million lives. The Anglican Church has been at the forefront in counselling victims of the genocide and reconciling the nation.

Archbishop Kolini told the gathering that the word of God would bring healing to the nation. He said love was the greatest virtue and that it had the power to transform any society.

Bishop Rucyahana, who was singled out for praise by the President, pledged to continue working for the good of all the people in the diocese.

For information on the Episcopal Church of Rwanda: www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/province.cfm

___________________________________________________________________

ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is distributed to more than 7,500 journalists and other readers around the world.