On October 5, 2026, Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène, Rwanda's Minister of Unity and National Guidance, commended the ADEPR church for its decision to remove 35 pastors and evangelists accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi population. This commendation was made during a message to ADEPR pastors at the launch of the National ADEPR Pastors' Conference, held at the Nkumba Training Center in Burera District. The conference, which will run until October 10, 2026, aims to equip ADEPR pastors with skills to continue building a worthy Rwandan, living in unity, reconciliation, and patriotism.
The conference features discussions on various topics, including the "Ndi Umunyarwanda" program, Rwandan history, unity among Rwandans, combating genocide ideology, and empowering churches to contribute to Rwanda's development. Dr. Bizimana expressed his appreciation for ADEPR's development initiatives, its collaboration with the Rwandan government, and other activities. He specifically praised ADEPR for taking a bold step by removing pastors implicated in the genocide, a move he described as exemplary compared to other religious denominations.
ADEPR's decision to remove the 35 pastors and evangelists was made on March 18, 2026, due to their alleged involvement in the 1994 genocide. According to the church's leadership, these individuals had violated their oath to uphold the country's values and the church's principles. The ADEPR church has taken a firm stance against those who have committed crimes against humanity.
The Chief Pastor of ADEPR, Pastor Ndayizeye Isaïe, explained that the decision to dismiss the pastors was based on their failure to uphold the church's values and their involvement in the genocide. He emphasized that these individuals had betrayed the trust placed in them as spiritual leaders and had instead contributed to the country's tragic history.
Dr. Bizimana's commendation of ADEPR reflects the government's appreciation for the church's efforts to promote unity and reconciliation. The Minister encouraged ADEPR to continue its development initiatives and to work closely with the government to build a more cohesive and prosperous Rwanda.
The ADEPR church has been actively involved in promoting national unity and reconciliation in Rwanda. By removing pastors implicated in the genocide, the church has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the country's values and promoting a culture of accountability.
The National ADEPR Pastors' Conference will conclude on October 10, 2026, after a week of discussions and training. The conference aims to equip ADEPR pastors with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote unity, reconciliation, and development in their communities.
Key points
- Dr. Bizimana Jean Damascène commended ADEPR for removing 35 pastors and evangelists implicated in the 1994 genocide.
- The ADEPR church aims to promote unity, reconciliation, and development in Rwanda through its initiatives and programs.
- The National ADEPR Pastors' Conference will focus on equipping pastors with skills to promote national unity and development.
