International scholars, theologians, and church leaders call for truth, justice, and renewal in the postcolonial mission of the Church.

After five days of reflection, dialogue, and cross-continental exchange, the international conference “Colonialism, Mission, and Responsibilities for the Future: The Example of the Great Lakes Region in Central Africa” concluded on October 10, 2025, at the Bethany Hotel in Karongi. The gathering ended with a renewed call for truthful remembrance, equitable partnerships, and transformative education across church and academic institutions, affirming Rwanda’s growing role as a space for global theological reflection and reconciliation.

A Historic Gathering at the Heart of Africa:

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Lake Kivu, the conference brought together more than fifty theologians, historians, educators, and church leaders from Africa and Europe. It examined the complex intersections of Christian mission and colonialism: a relationship marked by both deep wounds and transformative encounters of faith.

Jointly organized by the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda (EPR), the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), and European academic partners including the Ruhr University Bochum, the University of Bamberg, and the University of Hamburg, the event received support from Evangelische Mission Weltweit (EMW), the United Evangelical Mission (VEM), the Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen (EKvW), and Kerk in Actie.

In his opening address, Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, President of the EPR, set the tone for the discussions:

“We came together to face our shared history honestly. To build the future, we must first understand the roots of our divisions and transform them into opportunities for healing and collaboration.”

Global Representation and Institutional Collaboration:

The conference drew representatives from over fifty institutions across Africa and Europe, one of the most inclusive gatherings of its kind in recent years.

From Africa, participants included leaders and scholars from the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda (EPR), Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR), Makumira University and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, the University of Dar es Salaam, KwaZulu-Natal University, and the Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l’Afrique (CBCA) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

From Europe, contributors represented institutions such as the Ruhr University Bochum, University of Bamberg, University of Hamburg, University of Bern, University of Fribourg, University of Zurich, University of Jena, University of Salzburg, University of Erlangen, University of Göttingen, and the University of Turku in Finland.

The presence of mission partners and global church agencies, including Kerk in Actie, EKvW, EKiR, VEM, and EMW, underscored the global nature of the dialogue on decolonization and mission renewal.

 From Historical Memory to Critical Reflection: