Kagame Urges Vigilance Against Religious Extremism at Prayer Breakfast

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame emphasized the need for balance in practicing politics, religion, and culture, urging caution to prevent extremism. He underscored that simplicity should guide all aspects of these domains to foster harmony and development.

The Head of State and First Lady Jeannette Kagame were in attendance at the Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast, held at the Kigali Convention Centre. The event drew leaders from government, the private sector, diplomatic corps, and religious organizations.

Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF) hosted the gathering, aimed at promoting Godly values in leadership. This year’s theme, “Foundations of a Grateful Nation,” reflected the country’s collective reflection on gratitude and progress.

The prayer breakfast also served as a moment to thank God for the smooth electoral process and to offer prayers for Rwanda’s development targets in the upcoming five years. The gathering marked a spiritual and leadership milestone for the country.

Martine Muhongayire, Educational Advisor at École Ste Anne de Kigali and RLF member, shared a reflection on Rwanda’s socioeconomic achievements over the last mandate. She highlighted peaceful elections and the country’s self-reliance in funding the election process.

In his speech, President Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s ability to rise from its tragic past, positioning its history as a source of strength. He stressed that lessons learned from past misdeeds guide future positive actions.

Kagame stated that true thanksgiving should go beyond ceremonies. Instead, he encouraged tangible contributions that reflect genuine gratitude, urging everyone to participate actively in building a better nation.

Linking thanksgiving with contentment, Kagame posed a thought-provoking question on the relationship between wealth and satisfaction. He cautioned against the emptiness that material wealth can bring without spiritual and emotional fulfillment.

Politics, religion, and culture, Kagame noted, play interconnected roles in rebuilding Rwanda. He stressed that isolating these elements could lead to fragmentation, whereas their unity contributes to the nation’s progress.

Religion, according to Kagame, when practiced appropriately, instills moral authority and provides stability in society. Politics, on the other hand, shapes laws and policies rooted in moral values, while culture safeguards social boundaries.

The President warned against the potential dangers of distorting these elements. He urged leaders to keep religion and politics simple, ensuring they remain focused on the well-being of citizens.

Addressing fraudulent religious activities, Kagame reiterated the need to eradicate scams that exploit people in the name of religion. He condemned religious leaders who turn a blind eye to such malpractices, urging decisive action.

In a biblical reflection, Lambert Bariho, Director of Ellel Ministries Rwanda, drew from Psalms 100 to emphasize the importance of fostering a culture of thanksgiving. He stressed that gratitude should be a constant, regardless of circumstances.

Bariho urged that nations should express thanks for both achieved goals and future aspirations. Gratitude, he added, drives people to pursue greater opportunities, foster happiness, and nurture a positive mindset.

The Chairman of RLF, Moses Ndahiro, reaffirmed that the prayer breakfast was a tribute to God for peaceful elections. He also acknowledged the leadership of a President who upholds Godly values, something the nation takes pride in.

The RLF continues to organize monthly fellowship events aimed at strengthening leadership across various sectors. These gatherings focus on prayer and reflection to enhance good governance and service to the nation.

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