EGLISE PRESBYTERIENNE AU RWANDA (EPR) HOSTS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COLONIALISM, MISSION AND SHARED RESPONSIBILITY (OCT 7–10, 2025).

Karongi, Rwanda – October 7, 2025, an international conference titled “Colonialism, Mission and Responsibilities for the Future: The Example of the Great Lakes Region in Central Africa” is currently taking place at Bethany Hotel in Karongi. The four-days conference, running from October 7 to 10, 2025, brings together scholars, church leaders, and researchers from across Africa and Europe.

The event is organized by the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR) in partnership with the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), Ruhr University Bochum, University of Bamberg, and University of Hamburg (UHH).

The opening session was chaired by Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, President of the EPR, who warmly welcomed participants from more than ten universities and various church institutions. The Government of Rwanda was represented by Dr. Félicien Usengumukiza, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), who officially opened the conference.

Among the distinguished international scholars and church leaders participating in the discussions are Prof. Heinrich Bedford-Strohm (World Council of Churches), Bishop Abednego Keshomshahara (United Evangelical Mission – UEM), Dr. Albrecht Philipps (Evangelical Church of Westphalia – EKvW), Rev. Hette Domburg (Kerk in Actie), and Prof. Anette Schruempfug (University of Bamberg).

The main objective of the conference is to critically examine how colonialism and missionary activity have shaped the history, beliefs, and development of societies in the Great Lakes Region, while also reflecting on the shared responsibilities of churches, universities, organizations, and researchers in building justice and mutuality future.

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