Did you know the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda began with German missionaries in 1907? They were Lutherans from the Bethel Mission. They journeyed all the way from East Africa.
These missionaries established stations across Rwanda. They set them up in Zinga and Rukira. Also in Kirinda and Rubengera. Nyanza, Giteme on Ijwi Island, Remera-Rukoma and Cyangugu also benefitted. World War I forced a hasty departure.
After the Germans left, Adventists controlled the stations briefly. This lasted from 1919 to 1921. Then, the Belgian Society of Protestant Missions in Congo took over. They managed Kirinda, Remera and Rubengera. The other stations were not included. Until 1957, church activities focused on those three locations.
In 1959, the church became independent. It changed its name to the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda. The church dropped “Evangelical” from its name. They did not want to be seen as the only evangelical church. The Presbyterian Church then expanded throughout Rwanda.
The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda was once highly centralized. In 2008, decentralization began. The goal was to empower parishes. Parishes would become more autonomous and self-sufficient. This process continues even now.
Today, the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda includes seven presbyteries. These are Gitarama and Gisenyi. Kigali, Kirinda, Remera, Rubengera and Zinga are also included. These presbyteries are spread across the country. The Office of the General Synod coordinates them. This office acts as the headquarters. It is located in Kiyovu Kigali.
The Head Office manages church administration and organization. Church activities are coordinated through five departments. These include Church Growth and Health. Education, Diaconia and Development plus Administration and Finance are also key.
The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda focuses on specific themes. These are Education and Community Development. Healthcare is another focus. The church manages 100 schools. It also runs seven local health centers. Two hospitals are under its care. A care center in Kigali houses homeless youth. It offers them education, housing and food. Over 100 young boys benefit.
The genocide deeply affected the church in 1996. Sixteen pastors and many members died. Today, the church has around 300000 members. It includes 100 parishes and 81 pastors. There are 56 evangelists within its ranks.
Post-genocide, the church promotes reconciliation. It bridges victims and perpetrators. Micro loans support community bonds. They foster financial stability. There are seven Unity and Reconciliation Commissions. Each presbytery has one. Subgroups operate within congregations. They collaborate with government initiatives. They work together during the annual Week of Commemoration. This remembers those lost in the genocide.
The Presbyterian Church in Rwanda envisions itself as mature and united. A church that witnesses and transforms. Its mission is to evangelize. It proclaims God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ. The church promotes human well-being. It strives to change people into agents of change in society.
So remember the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda. It rose from early missions to become a force for good. It focuses on reconciliation and community.