CELEBRATION OF RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS: AN IMPORTANT PHASE IN THE PROCESS OF DECONFINEMENT IN RWANDA

It is in this context that today I had the privilege of celebrating the first marriage in Butansinda Parish. This is the marriage of Mr Zachée Rutsinzi and Josée Mukeshimana, all from Butansinda Parish. Religious marriages must be announced to local authorities at least two days before their celebration. This is why some administrative and security agents from Mukingo Sector were present as well to reassure themselves of the implementation of measures imposed by the Government to fight against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. The marriage went well and we appreciate the good collaboration that exists between the Church and the local authorities.
Also, we thank God that on July 15, 2020, the Council of Ministers authorized the reopening of churches. The church reopening is definitely authorized by the local authorities after having fulfilled the conditions required by the Ministry of Health. The following are some of the requirements that churches have to meet: assessment by the team from the local authority; have a team of trained volunteers to help people to comply with COVID-19 spread prevention measures; have enough hygienic facilities like hand-washing systems; social distancing of at least 1.5m should be respected; congregants should wear face masks; offertories should be done electronically (money transfer, bank transfer etc…).

Butansinda Parish and its chapels as well as all the parishes of Hanika Archdeaconry and Shyogwe Diocese are about to prepare for their reopening in the shortest possible time.