On Saturday, January 18, 2025, a special prayer service was held at Kicukiro Catholic Parish to officially launch the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The event brought together believers from various denominations, led by clergy from different Christian communities, with choirs gracing the occasion in a celebration of unity and brotherhood in Christ.
The guest of honor was Bishop Papias Musengamana of Byumba Diocese, representing Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali and head of the Bible Society of Rwanda, which organizes the event.
In his sermon, Bishop Musengamana urged Christians to overcome divisions caused by the devil, emphasizing that prayers for unity should not be confined to this week but should be a lifelong commitment.
“This week of prayer happens annually, but Christian unity should not be a one-time event; it is our way of life. Let us pray for unity and for our world, which is in dire need of it. We must remember that the devil constantly seeks to divide us, but this week of unity should inspire us to grow in love and oneness,” he said.
Bishop Musengamana explained that the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity aims to encourage Christians to complement one another in shared values and show mutual respect in areas of difference.
He reminded the congregation that the unity Christ bequeathed to the Church has often faced challenges, calling on Christians to reflect, take action, and strive to make Christ’s vision of unity a reality.
Bishop Samuel Kayinamura, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Bible Society of Rwanda, also addressed the congregation, elaborating on this year’s theme: “Do You Believe This?”
He emphasized the foundational importance of unity, rooted in the legacy of Jesus Christ and grounded in the shared Word of God.
“Those who reject unity have no solid foundation,” Bishop Kayinamura said. “The unity we speak of and pray for during this week is built on the legacy of Jesus Christ and the shared Bible. As Scripture teaches, ‘There is one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, and one God.’ Let us bear with one another in love, for what unites us is far greater than what divides us. Together, let us work toward a common purpose.”
Prayers for Christian unity will continue in various locations across the country, with Christians encouraged to participate. The national closing ceremony is scheduled for January 25, 2025, at the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Remera Parish, commonly known as Giporoso.
This article was produced with content and photos provided by KINYAMATEKA.