President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame joined hundreds of Rwandan leaders at a thanksgiving prayer breakfast organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship.
In his keynote address, President Kagame emphasized that true thanksgiving goes beyond mere ritual. “Thanksgiving cannot be an end in itself,” he said. “It must be rooted in genuine gratitude for meaningful achievements and results we’ve contributed to. Being thankful should also bring a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.”
President Kagame also addressed concerns about the misuse of religion. “Are we really equal before God, as often claimed? If God truly speaks to you, does He ask you to commit harm, lie, or deceive others?” he questioned. He criticized those who use divine claims to mislead people, asserting that genuine faith should not be used to justify harmful actions.
The President urged attendees to think critically about the messages and advice they receive. “God gave us a brain to question and reason,” Kagame stated. “We must scrutinize whether advice or directives are genuinely in our best interests. It is crucial to question and challenge misleading claims, especially given our nation’s history.”
He also condemned the actions of individuals who exploit religion for personal gain or to perpetuate harmful practices. “People who hide behind the name of God to commit atrocities must be held accountable,” Kagame declared. “We cannot allow our society to be manipulated by those who seek to deceive or exploit us.”
President Kagame reaffirmed his commitment to preserving Rwanda’s progress and integrity. “We should not remain silent about threats that could undermine our achievements,” he said. “The government will continue to address and correct practices that harm our society, ensuring that our nation remains on a path of positive development.”
