wfn.org | ACNS3642 Churches in Burundi unite to pray for peace for the

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3642     |     BURUNDI	|     20 OCTOBER 2003 

Churches in Burundi unite to pray for peace for the nation

[ACNS source: Episcopal Church of Burundi] Christians across the
denominations united last week to pray and fast for the country that has
suffered from 10 years of war, during which nearly every family has lost
a friend or family member.

Peace marches took place through the streets of Bujumbura, Burundi's
capital, and the towns of Gitega and Makamba.

Throughout the week, meetings with prayer for the nation were held with
Government and Church leaders at the highest levels, including the
President, Domitien Ndayizeye, and the Speaker of the Parliament, Dr
Jean Minani. In his address, Dr Minani said,"I pray that this House of
People's Representatives should become a House of God."

The week culminated on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Celebrations of
Peace in stadiums around the country.

In Bujumbura Dr K A Paul, from Global Peace Initiative in USA, urged the
Church to repent, to turn to Jesus the Prince of Peace, and to allow the
transforming grace of God to restore hope and trust between the people
of Burundi. He commended Church leaders on the unity they displayed.

The initiative was organised by a committee comprised of representatives
from most of the denominations, Catholic and Protestant.

The Rt Revd Bernard Ntahoturi, Anglican Bishop of Matana diocese, said,
"This event took place in the month of October when the people of
Burundi remember the assassination of the first Prime Minister of
Burundi on the 13 October 1961, the first inter-ethnic killings on the
18 October 1965, and the assassination of the first democratically
elected President on the 21 October 1993. The Churches organised this
event to seek healing from God for wounded lives, cleansing of the land,
and reconciliation for those in conflict. Restoring peace is a journey
and we call on our friends in Burundi and abroad to walk with us."

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