{A total of 20 Anglican Church leaders in Rwanda who convened in Huye district at Protestant Institute of Arts and Social Sciences (PIASS) yesterday have expressed concern over growing incidences of violence and domestic-based conflicts among spouses.}
The church leaders had come together to seek ways of promoting peaceful existence among Christians through fighting against violence and conflicts among spouses where they committed to do all that is possible to foster peaceful families.
A researcher and lecturer at PIASS, Prof. Tharcisse Gatwa said that a survey conducted from 2011 to 2014 indicated that violence is still rampant among families over various reasons.
“Throughout the research we conducted, we have collected information from children, teachers, local leaders, heads of institutions and non-governmental organizations among others, it is apparent that violence and conflicts are highly affecting families,” he said.
Prof. explained that poverty, unemployment, wealth sharing, infidelity, drug abuse and traditional customs tyrannizing women are among major causes of conflicts and violence among spouses.
Talking about their commitment to help Rwandan community to address the matter of domestic violence and conflicts, Pastor Janvier Bapfakurera said; “We are going to convey various messages to Christians, encouraging them to keep away from violence and try to identify people with conflicts to facilitate mediation.”
The Rev. Prof. Elisee Musemakweli, PIASS Vice Chancellor said that they organized a session of presenting outcomes of research undertaken by the school (PIASS), so they can use it to solve various conflicts affecting Rwandan community through direct gospel preaching to Christians.
The church leaders have also talked about the role of community mediation, handling trauma and preparing for the upcoming 22nd commemoration of Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi, among others.
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