The Church of Ireland
Press Release

The Gahini Diocesan Choir from the Church of Rwanda arrive in Dublin on Friday (14th) to begin a three-week tour of Ireland – 14 September to 5 October. They will visit eleven venues during their tour.

The choir consists of 19 members, 10 male and 9 female aged from 13 upwards. They come from different parts of the diocese and represent a wide range of background and education.

CMS Ireland Secretary, Canon Cecil Wilson said: “When the country of Rwanda is mentioned our first thought is of the genocide of 1994. However there is a new and more positive side to the country and its people and this is wonderfully expressed in the spirit and singing of the Gahani Choir.”

The choir members are French speaking and are mostly students.

“None of them have travelled to the West before”, said Canon Wilson. “Their staple diet is rice and cassava so they may find our choice and variety of food difficult.”

The choir practice their songs and dances within the context of daily Bible study and prayer. Their programme is exciting and varied and should appeal to a wide audience. The choirmaster is Emmanuel Karamu who is also a youth leader in the diocese.

Canon Wilson adds: “It will be difficult not to be infected with their joy and enthusiasm. Music is the heartbeat of Church worship in Africa. The singing of this choir from war devastated Rwanda is a humble reminder of God’s unfailing love whatever the circumstances.”

The Anglican Bishop of Gahini, the Rt Rev Alexis Bilindabagabo, and his wife Dr Grace Muamwezi, will accompany the choir.

Details of venues and availability can be obtained from the CMS Ireland Belfast Office at Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2QH. Tel. 028 9032 4581

GAHINI DIOCESAN CHOIR – DATES AND VENUES

14 September to 5 October 2001

• Waringstown Presbyterian Church - Sunday, 16 September at 7pm
• Derryloran Parish Church - Tuesday, 18 September at 7.30pm
• Burnavon Centre, Cookstown - Wednesday, 19 September at 7.30pm
• St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen - Thursday, 20 September at 8pm
• St Matthew’s Church Hall, Broomhedge - Saturday, 22 September at 7.30pm
• Dungiven Parish Church - Sunday, 23 September at 8pm
• Killyleagh Parish Hall - Wednesday, 26 September at 8pm
• Bangor Abbey Parish Church - Thursday, 27 September at 8pm
• Belvoir Parish Church, Belfast - Friday, 28 September at 8pm
• Glenageary Parish, Dublin - Sunday, 30 September at 7pm
• Kilternan Parish Church, Dublin - Thursday, 4 October at 8pm