Center for Training and Documentation (CFD)

The Center for Training and Documentation (CFD) was initiated by the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda in 1996. Its vision is to equip religious leaders and church members with knowledge and skills that respond to the needs of the post-genocide Rwandan community.

Programmes

1. Theological Education by Extension (TEE): A two-year programme for lay Christians, including elders, deacons and preachers, from different Christian denominations. Participants meet weekly in groups to study materials prepared and published by CFD on biblical studies, homiletics, church history, Christian ethics, and church and society.
2. In-service training of church ministers: Capacity-building for church ministers on current issues facing Rwandan communities. Training materials are compiled into booklets and distributed to participants and other ministers.
3. Christian-Muslim relations: Activities that bring together Christian and Muslim leaders and members to discuss shared political and socio-economic issues and promote tolerance and mutual respect.
4. Grassroots churches: Weekly neighbourhood gatherings of families for Bible study, social interaction, discussion and prayer. CFD publishes an annual booklet with 52 weekly reflection topics.
5. Research and documentation: Empirical research into challenges facing post-genocide Rwandan communities and the role of churches, alongside preparation and publication of learning materials. CFD also established a library for church ministers, theology students and Christians.

Challenges and support

The source page describes financial constraints affecting training sessions, learning-material publication, research and library acquisitions. It invites organizations and individuals to support the continuation of these activities.

Source-listed coordinator: Rev. Celestin Nsengimana, CFD Coordinator.

Content transcribed from the public EPR source page. Historical programme descriptions and leadership details require institutional review before publication.