The decision by the Pentecostal Church of Rwanda (ADEPR) to remove 35 individuals from their pastoral and evangelistic roles over their involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was not made abruptly. It followed years of internal review, legal consultation, and careful institutional reflection.

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According to Emmanuel Ntakirutimana, the church’s head of communication, the timing of the announcement was deliberate. He explained that the church first undertook a thorough process of gathering and verifying information to ensure that everything made public was accurate and beyond dispute.

"This was not something to rush. The information had to be carefully verified so that what is published is true and unquestionable,” he said.

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Ntakirutimana noted that the Pentecostal church has long had rules prohibiting individuals convicted of imprescriptible crimes—particularly the Genocide against the Tutsi—from holding pastoral responsibilities. A key turning point came in 2021, when the church amended its internal regulations to address a more complex issue: people who committed Genocide while already serving as pastors.

"The question was, what happens to those who committed Genocide crimes while already holding pastoral titles? Should they continue to be regarded as pastors, even though they are expected to be moral examples in society?” he said.

The revised rules clarified that not only would such individuals be barred from pastoral duties, but they would also be stripped of their titles altogether. Since then, the church has conducted a detailed internal assessment to identify such individuals. The publication of the list, Ntakirutimana said, was partly intended to prevent public confusion.

"There are people who no longer had responsibilities within the church but continued to present themselves as ADEPR pastors elsewhere. This created confusion, and the public needed clarity,” he explained.

He emphasized that none of the 35 individuals were actively serving as pastors at the time of the decision, though many still retained the title.

It is not over yet

On whether more names could emerge, Ntakirutimana said the process is ongoing.

"This does not mean the exercise is over. Just as the government continues to pursue Genocide suspects who have evaded justice, the church will also act whenever new cases arise,” he said.

He added that future decisions will largely depend on court rulings. Any individuals convicted of Genocide crimes, especially those who held pastoral roles during that period, could be added to the list. The church has also called on the public to provide relevant information that could support further review.

"This is also a time for people to come forward with information about anyone they believe may be connected. If verified, appropriate action will be taken,” he noted.

Ntakirutimana said the move aligns with the country’s broader "Never Again” commitment. He clarified that while such individuals may remain members of the church, leadership roles are strictly off-limits.

"There are those who committed these crimes, sought forgiveness, reconciled with families, and are now church members. That is acceptable. But being a pastor or spiritual leader is a different level of responsibility that is not open to them,” he said.

He also pointed out that some of those named completed their sentences but continued to identify themselves as ADEPR pastors, sometimes without acknowledging their crimes.

"This publication helps the public know who they are. If they present themselves as pastors, people will understand that they no longer hold that responsibility within ADEPR,” he added.

Overall, the church says the decision is intended to uphold integrity within its leadership and ensure that pastoral titles are not associated with individuals convicted of crimes that fundamentally contradict the values they are expected to embody.

The leadership of ADEPR announced the decision in a statement released on March 18, signed by the church’s Senior Pastor and Legal Representative, Isaïe Ndayizeye. The decision followed deliberations by the General Council of Pastors on October 22, 2025, and February 11, 2026.

Based on the decision of the General Council of Pastors, the leadership of ADEPR Church informed its congregants that individuals on the list had been stripped of their pastoral and evangelistic responsibilities "because they were convicted of the crime of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.”

Those affected include former pastors and evangelists who once served in different parts of the country, as well as others now living abroad.

Some are currently serving sentences in correctional facilities, including Jean Uwinkindi (Nyanza), Matayo Ngezahayo (Mpanga), Noel Nkubito (Muhanga), and Joseph Ndemeye (Huye). Others include evangelist Aloys Habimana (Ngarama), as well as former church leaders now residing in countries such as Uganda, Belgium, and DR Congo.

The list also features individuals living within Rwanda who previously held positions in the church.