Date of Award

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis - SCU Access Only

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2019.

Degree Name

Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL)

Director

Julie Hanlon Rubio

Abstract

In 1994, Rwanda experienced one of the greatest crimes of the twentieth century, perpetrated by Hutu against their Tutsi neighbors, friends, and relatives. This tragedy, which lasted less than 100 days and during which more than one million Tutsi perished, was the result of political manipulation of the only three socio-economic groups belonging to the Rwandan community.

The genocide of the Tutsis, which was prepared and executed with systematic cruelty is unique in the world. Not only did it last for a short period of time with a very large number of victims, but also it was perpetrated by Rwandans against other Rwandans. Beyond that, the genocide against the Tutsi occurred in a country which appeared to be a model of Christianity in Africa. Christians killed other Christians often from the same denomination. Such a tragedy challenges the deepness of Christianity in Rwanda.

After the genocide of the Tutsi, reconciliation and justice programs have been set up, but they have not delivered the expected results. This study proposes a reconciliation based on a deep relationship with God. A Christian reconciliation cannot only heal the wounds of the genocide but also especially can help Rwandans to live their Christians values and transcend their racial identities.

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