Bishop Samuel Kayinamura, first Vice president of RIC and Head of the Free Methodist Church in Rwanda, noted that one of the major challenges facing religious institutions today is the continued spread of misleading teachings and false prophecies.
He addressed the issue in response to questions from Members of Parliament regarding measures to prevent preachers from exploiting false doctrines and prophecies.
Gloriose Sibobugingo, a Member of Parliament, urged religious leaders to act against those who use prophecy as a commercial tool, misleading the public.
Lydia Mushimiyimana, another MP pointed out that many of those spreading false doctrines often promote views that contradict government policies and national principles, thereby confusing the population.
'Often, these individuals oppose the nation's direction. For instance, someone might say, 'Commemorating the Genocide is reviving the dead; God sent me to tell you that commemorating is forbidden.' Shouldn't such individuals be held accountable by the church or the law? Because people seem to fear churches more than legal institutions,' she stated.
Bishop Kayinamura confirmed that the spread of false teachings and failed prophecies started within prayer groups.
'Indeed, these deceptive teachings and false prophecies exist. They began in prayer rooms, and religious leaders took a firm stance against them. When sanctions were enforced, some individuals left the churches entirely, claiming to 'go into the wilderness' after being disciplined by church authorities,' he said.
He explained that after leaving church oversight, many of these individuals turned to social media, where religious institutions no longer have authority over them.
'Now, they've migrated to social media. It's difficult for us as religious institutions to regulate them. We ask, can't there be another way to track and prosecute those who misuse these platforms? When someone posts shocking content, shouldn't they face legal consequences?' he questioned.
He emphasized that religious institutions do not support the spread of such teachings by people falsely claiming to be God's messengers. 'We do not support this at all. We denounce it and will continue to do so publicly.'
Kayinamura added that collaboration with state institutions is essential in combating these actions, as some individuals may also be engaging in criminal activities.
'God does not speak deception. Because we no longer have jurisdiction over these individuals once they leave our congregations, and since the state has power we don't, cooperation is necessary. Where we identify these individuals, we will report them so we can collectively fight this scourge.'
Rev. Julie Kandema, Deputy Leader of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, stated that one of RIC's resolutions was for churches to dissociate from such preachers while also playing an active role in opposing them.
On his part, Rwanda's Mufti Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya highlighted the need for stronger efforts to educate the youth in order to combat both false teachings and the lingering effects of genocide ideology that persist among young people.
IGIHE
