President Kagame today attended the enthronement of Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje of the Anglican Church as the new Archbishop of the Gasabo Diocese, taking over from Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini who is going for retirement. In his speech at the function that was held at the Kigali Independent University (ULK), President Kagame congratulated Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje for being chosen to lead Gasabo Diocese and said that this shows the confidence that the Church has in him after ably heading Byumba Diocese. President Kagame commended Archbishop Kolini for what he has achieved during his tenure as head of the Gasabo Diocese and said that although he was retiring, this did not mean that he was going out of the system completely because the nation and the Church still need him. About the contribution of Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini, President Kagame said: “Archbishop Kolini played a big role in fostering unity and reconciliation, conflict resolution, bringing about inter-religious cooperation and promoting the wellbeing of Rwandans among other things.”

President Kagame said that Archbishop Rwaje, would fit in Archbishop Kolini’s shoes quite well because the two have similar understanding and objectives for the people of Rwanda. “In spite of our different capacities, we should work towards the same objectives as Christians, Rwandans, Africans and as global citizens. God wants us to live well in this world and if we work towards make the lives of our people better, we will be fulfilling God’s wish,” President Kagame said.

President Kagame reiterated the need for religious leaders to complement the work of Government and said he appreciates what the Anglican Church is doing. President Kagame said that if this country is to achieve its objectives, people have to have a good understanding of issues. President Kgame pledged Government support to the Anglican Church and the new Archbishop of Gasabo Diocese.