The ADEPR Church in Rwanda has appointed new parish pastors and Regional Executive Pastors who will assist regional leaders in pastoral duties, including four women.
Among the women appointed are Ufitinema Chantal, who will lead Rulindo Parish in the Northern Region; Mukagashugi Marie Chantal, appointed Regional Executive Pastor for the Southern Region; Kamukama Edith, who takes on the same role in the Eastern Region; and Rugerindida Alice, who will lead Bugesera Parish.
These women have made history as the first in the ADEPR Church to be entrusted with such responsibilities since its establishment in Rwanda.
The announcement was made on March 20, 2026, following a meeting of the church’s Executive Committee held on March 19, 2026.
Together with their colleagues, the newly appointed pastors will oversee 30 parishes, following recent reforms that reduced the number of parishes from 143.
However, the church noted that Nyabihu Parish in the Western Province and Ngoma Parish in the Eastern Province are yet to receive leaders, as well as the leadership positions for the City of Kigali Region and its Regional Executive Pastor.
The ADEPR Church ordained women pastors after 85 years of evangelism in Rwanda.
The church’s leader, Ndayizeye Isaie, recently told IGIHE that historically, there was no doctrinal prohibition against women becoming pastors, even though it had not been practiced.
“We have, over time, conducted extensive analysis and gathered various opinions to determine whether it was appropriate. We asked ourselves: ‘Is it right? What does the Bible say? Is there any place where it forbids it? Would it be a sin? What impact would it have if women became pastors? Have churches that allow it benefited or suffered from it?’” he explained.
He added, “Through these discussions, we found no biblical basis prohibiting women from becoming pastors. Some people interpret certain scriptures incorrectly to suggest otherwise, but that does not prevent women from serving as pastors.”
He emphasized that the gift of leadership comes from the Holy Spirit and is not determined by gender.
“We found it appropriate to give women pastoral responsibilities, in line with our church’s vision. The mission is not only to bring people to Christ but also to disciple and nurture them. Women have unique gifts and abilities in nurturing and developing people, and allowing them to serve as pastors is a long-term solution for us,” he said.
Significant changes within the ADEPR Church have been evident since Pastor Ndayizeye Isaïe assumed leadership. He took over at a time when the church faced multiple challenges that required lasting solutions.
The Southern Region, headquartered in Huye District, will be led by Pastor Tharcisse Ndayishimiye, assisted by Regional Executive Pastor Mukagashugi Marie Chantal.
The Western Region, based in Rubavu, will be led by Pastor Jean Marie Vianney Nimuragire, assisted by Sibomana Jean Claude. The Northern Region, headquartered in Musanze District, will be led by Pastor Uwambaje Emmanuel, assisted by Nshutiraguma Jean Baptiste as Regional Executive Pastor.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Region, headquartered in Rwamagana District, will be led by Pastor Bizimana Jean Baptiste alongside Kamukama Edith.
Leaders for the City of Kigali Region have not yet been announced due to ongoing structural changes in its governance.
Following the appointment of parish pastors, the church is expected to also appoint pastors who will lead smaller church communities (local congregations) across the ADEPR Church.
