April 7 to mid-July 1994. An estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 Rwandans were killed.
A citation read at the presentation described
Munyamasoko as a strong advocate; a prophetic
witness; a champion of the vulnerable; and as
a reconciler, peacemaker, pacifist, and mediator.
BWA General Secretary Neville Callam called
Munyamasoko a committed Christian who
drew “upon biblical theology, integral mission,
training, and community development to assist
groups and persons to overcome national
rivalries and ethnic differences.” He was
instrumental in leading groups in Rwanda “to
consider the painful background of Rwanda’s
ethnic divisions in the quest to overcome the
destruction of social groups victimized by
suspicion and lack of trust.” Munyamasoko led
Rwandans “to understand the causes of the
genocide; to seek and to extend forgiveness; and
to build relationships based on the principles
of justice, mercy, and faith, emphasizing the
need for reconciliation with God, self and others.”
I serve on the General Council of the BWA, which is the governing board of the organization. I also serve on the Social & Environmental Justice Commission (one of the commissions in the Freedom and Justice Division of the BWA) and on the Promotion and Development Advisory Committee. There are twelve commissions and a number of committees that meet during the week of the Congress. The Men’s Department, Women’s Department, and Youth Department also hold gatherings during the Congress. Several others from Churchnet also serve on BWA commissions and committees, and Forestal Lawton, Churchnet's Vice President, serves as Director of the Men’s Department.
I am completing my third year serving as President of the North American Baptist Fellowship, one of the six regional fellowships that make up the BWA. We had a great group from North America at our meeting of the regional fellowship. It was a great time of fellowship and sharing. I am always humbled and encouraged when I have the opportunity to share with brothers and sisters around the world. I am also challenged by the depth of the commitment I see in their lives and witness. The worship services involving people from around the world are an inspiration. Truly, we are a part of a large and wonderful global Baptist family. I hope you will pray for Paul Msiza and Neville Callam as they provide leadership for the Baptist World Alliance.
Corneille Gato Munyamasoko speaking during Baptist World Congress