Presbytery to host Rwandan Peacemaker Julie Kandema this October
October 4 - October 10, 2022
This Fall, Peace and Justice Work Group of Presbytery of San Jose will host an international advocate for the first time since 2019.
Rev. Kandema of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda is one of 10 peacemakers from around the world who will be available to make in-person visits to congregations, mid councils and communities in partnership with the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.
Rev. Kandema writes: “During my visit to U.S. churches, I am willing to share with the congregants the journey of my country and the church in rebuilding and reuniting Rwandans… I am participating in the International Peacemakers because I want to share my experience in peace and reconciliation, and I want to learn from the experience of my brothers and sisters from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).”
Rev. Julie Kandema – RWANDA
Julie Kandema is an ordained Minister from the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda. Since 2014 she has served as Vice President and deputy legal representative for the denomination. She leads the church program in charge of Church Growth, supervising church activities related to evangelization, women and youth activities, deacons and Sunday School. She serves on a variety of commissions for peace building at the national and international levels. As Vice President of the Interfaith Platform for Dignity and Peace, she organizes inter-religious dialogues and other activities on peace and reconciliation. She looks forward to sharing with the Presbyterian Church (USA) her experience of the genocide against the Tutsi people of Rwanda in 1994. She will also share the efforts of the church in post-genocide Rwanda and the work done by different categories of people, particularly women and youth, to bring about true reconciliation and development in Rwanda.
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Overview (from PMA website)
Leaders from partner denominations and organizations around the world visit the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) each year to interpret issues of peace and justice. These visits inform Presbyterians, open hearts and minds, touch lives, establish relationships and inspire new ministries. By sharing stories of their work and witness, the peacemakers help us understand peace and justice concerns around the world and provide insights that can inspire us to greater faithfulness. Their visits broaden our sense of God’s inclusive family and help equip us to build a culture of peace and nonviolence for all God’s children. Since 1984 more than 350 International Peacemakers from 60 countries have been hosted through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. The International Peacemakers Program is made possible by your generous gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering.