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Rwandan religion scenario is mainly dominated by Christianity with 65% of the total population being Roman Catholics and 9% being Protestant. Most of the Rwandans follow Christianity and practical their indigenous beliefs at the same time. Second after Christianity, the Rwandan religion scenario is dominated by Muslims which comprise of about 1% of the total population.
Catholic Church is one of the most dominating institutions of Rwanda since past many decades. The Catholic Church was introduced by the German and Belgian colonists and was meant for both Hutu and Tutsi group of people. Many Rwandans feel that the church was responsible for the rise of Hutu tribe. Most Rwandan Christians however, continue to participate in the indigenous religious practices, like adoration of the ancestors is quite prevalent. Two societies, known as Kubandwa sects, who worshipped ancestral heroes are quite uncommon today.
The Rwandan religion believes in the idea that at the centre of religious ideas is a central spirit called Imana. This supreme spirit can only be addressed with the help of intermediaries. While the Lyangombe sect is found in the southern parts, the Nyabingi sect is found in the northern parts of the country. The Lyangombe ceremonies are often held around a tree with red flowers which represent the blood of Lyangombe. The secrecy of both these religious societies has been increased since they have faced constant opposition from government authorities as well as Christian religious officials. These religious societies have however, lost their importance in the present world.
Rwandan religion firmly believes in the existence of the spirit even after death. Hence, they show tremendous respect to dead ancestors which is again considered to be a pious duty of all Rwandans.
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