On Sunday, April 6, 20 years will have passed since the genocide in Rwanda began. In a period of only 100 days, from April 7, 1994 to mid-July an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandans were killed.

“Together, let us pledge our determination to prevent genocide as the best way to remember those who lost their lives so tragically in Rwanda” said Rev Dr Guy Liagre CEC General Secretary, adding “Preventing genocide is a collective responsibility”.

In Rwanda, this terrible event commemorated this week is still felt. Everyone in Rwanda lost relatives, friends or acquaintances and what happened is still fresh in the memory.

“Life is still incredibly difficult for the Rwandan population” Liagre said. The General Secretary calls for prayer for the thousands of Rwandan trying to bring up their children or care for orphans, and for peace to reconciliation:

“Please pray with us for peace to reconciliation that this week's commemorations of the Genocide may bring an end to the devastating conflicts, fear and violence that plagued the lives of so many millions of people”.

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The Conference of European Churches (CEC) is a communion of 115 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old Catholic Churches from all European countries, and 40 organisatios in partnership. It was founded in 1959. The CEC has offices in Geneva, Brussels and Strasbourg.

For more information:
CEC General Secretariat
Phone: +41 22 791 6228
Fax: +41 22 791 627
Email: GenSecretariat@cec-kek.org