“We wish to inform the leaders of your Diocese, my brother the Archbishop of Bukavu, who is with us in spirit, that we stand united as members of a single body – he representing the faithful of Bukavu, and we representing those of Cyangugu,” he further said.
He continued, “This tree that we are planting is a symbol that will grow and flourish, constantly reminding us that our region must enjoy lasting peace.”
Bishop Sinayobye noted that Jesus' message of “Peace be with you” implies that everyone must be a messenger of peace.
He emphasized that peace “transcends borders, ethnicities, and a history of conflict, and must be manifested through concrete actions, cooperation, dialogue, and bringing people together.”
Bishop Sinayobye went on to speak of the important role of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Central Africa (ACEAC), comprising Catholic Bishops in Burundi, the DRC, and Rwanda, noting that border Dioceses can be “vectors of peace,” and that faith and Christianity “must transcend prejudices and injustices in society.”
He reminded participants at the event that dialogue, reciprocal visits and joint activities “strengthen trust, cooperation and mutual respect, the foundations of peace in the Great Lakes region.”
The Local Ordinary of Cyangugu Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in March 2021 that followed his appointment the previous month urged participants from both Dioceses to continue “promoting peace, working for cooperation and understanding, and coordinating their activities with their neighbors, as peace can only take root if people and authorities actively collaborate.”
“The celebration of the International Day of Peace, which includes prayer for peace in the world and the region, reminded us that peace is not limited to words, but must be supported by concrete actions, fraternity, and the involvement of everyone within the Rwandan community and the Great Lakes region,” the Catholic Church leader said.
Also speaking during the September 28 event, Telesphore Mugisha Buhendwa, a member of the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of Bukavu Archdiocese expressed joy in realizing the meeting with their counterparts from the Diocese of Cyangugu.
He said planting the tree of peace symbolized cooperation and hope, demonstrating that people in border regions can live in harmony, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
