The Association of Pentecostal Churches in Rwanda (ADEPR) is faced with ethnic ideology and intrigue that is threatening to tear the church apart.

Eight ADEPR pastors from Gitarama region were reportedly unfairly ousted from the church due to ethnic divisions.

The revelations were uncovered by a committee of select pastors-charged with investigating issues of injustice and genocide ideology in the ADEPR Church.

They were made public at the pastors’ meeting held at Residents Hotel, in Kigali, last Sunday.

"We are not going to remain silent about the fact that the church is divided along ethnic lines. These seeds have been planted in the church and today we stand as Christians to say no to this trend,” Pastor Modeste Uwabinfura, the chairman of the committee said.

The findings indicate that genocide ideology has divided the church, and recommended the need to revive the true essence of Christianity in the Pentecostal Church.

Uwabinfura noted that the Ministry of Local Government has been notified about these internal issues.

The Pastors in attendance resolved to take a firm stand to fight the negative ideology that has torn the church leadership apart in the previous years.

"The church will not relent in its fight against the leadership that has planted these seeds,” Uwabinfura asserted.

Christians at the meeting called for tabling of the findings before the entire congregation of Pentecostal Christians in an effort to find a lasting solution.

"It’s a disgrace to see such things happening to the church, which is supposed to be a good example to the community. We want these matters resolved and become a better Christian community,” said Noel Nsanzimana, a lay Christian.

The report will be submitted to the relevant local authorities.

Other participants hailed the report, saying it will help the church address the root causes of ethnic ideology.

"This is a sign of hope and we are sure if these matters are addressed, the church will be united and work towards development and social transformation,” said Pastor Eduard Karuranga.
 
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