What Biblical Discernment Should We Apply to the Rise of White Garment Practices in Modern African Christianity?
As watchmen called to guard the truth (Ezekiel 33:6), we must examine with love and discernment the rise of white garment practices in African Christianity, which has sparked significant debate, particularly highlighted by a recent controversial conference in Kigali. The "Days of Thanksgiving" event, organized by Grace Room Ministries in April 2025, drew thousands of white-clad worshippers and gained attention for its unconventional baptismal ceremonies. The practices observed during this gathering raised important questions about biblical authenticity and spiritual discernment in modern African Christianity - not to condemn, but to protect and guide the body of Christ toward truth.
Background of the Conference
In late April 2025 (often reported as May 2025), Grace Room Ministries – a Kigali-based Pentecostal church led by Pastor Julienne K. Kabanda – held a large “Days of Thanksgiving” conference at Kigali’s BK Arena. The event was heavily publicized on social media with an explicit all-white dress code (“Attend in white” was the invitation), so that thousands of worshipers gathered in white robes (Umunara News, 2025). This white-garment attire and some of the worship practices drew immediate comparisons to West African “White Garment” churches (e.g. the Cherubim and Seraphim or Celestial churches in Nigeria), which similarly use all-white clothing and dramatic spiritual manifestations. Observers noted that Grace Room’s aesthetics and style were markedly different from mainstream Rwandan churches. Pastor Kabanda – often referred to by congregants as “Mother” – is known for strongly charismatic preaching, including testimonies of healing and blessing that critics say resemble prosperity-gospel theology (promises of financial/material blessing and miraculous healing). Her sermons feature exuberant praise, claims of divine favor and wealth, and frequent “faith declarations,” which some Rwandan Christians consider a form of prosperity teaching.
A centerpiece of the conference was a mass baptism of roughly 500 new converts who underwent a concerning baptism. Eyewitness and participant accounts (circulating on social media) also described unusual spiritual phenomena during the baptism: participants reportedly cried out or “wept aloud,” vomited, clucked or made animal noises, or needed multiple assistants during and after immersion. Some visitors said that in many cases people were not fully submerged (contrary to normal baptism practice) and had to be held up by friends or staff (The New Times, 2025). Video clips and attendee interviews posted online showed people in the water writhing on the ground and making guttural sounds (Impanda ya Nyuma, 2025; Shema, 2025). These scenes alarmed critics, who likened them to uncontrolled ecstatic cult-like rituals. Those who attended the conference were surprised to see “extremely dramatic manifestations” during the baptisms, and he questioned whether all the behavior was truly spiritual.
The event sparked a storm of criticism from within Rwanda’s Christian community. Leading pastors and laypeople questioned the biblical basis for many of the practices. Some accused the Grace Room leadership of “false prophecy” and misleading believers. In Rwandan Christian discourse (both online and in commentaries), Pastor Kabanda’s role as a female lead pastor was also controversial – some critics argued that a woman should not occupy the primary teaching/leadership role in a church as Scripture teaches. The emphasis on material blessing and charismatic “faith words” led others to accuse the ministry of preaching a prosperity gospel, an exploitative theology. Rwanda’s government regulators and religious authorities likewise grew alarmed. By May 2025, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) publicly announced that Grace Room Ministries had violated faith-based organization regulations – specifically, it had strayed from its registered mission and broken rules for worship activities. RGB officials cited the outdoor pool baptism as an example of such violations. They revoked Grace Room’s legal operating license with immediate effect, ordering that “all activities previously conducted by Grace Room Ministries must cease immediately”(Taarifa, 2025). But beyond all this story, where does this come from?
The Origins and Connections to the White Garment Tradition
The practice of wearing white garments in worship is notably associated with African Initiated Churches (AICs) such as the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S), both originating in Nigeria. Founded in 1947 by Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa, the CCC blends Christian beliefs with elements of African spirituality (CCC Worldwide, n.d.). Similarly, the C&S was established in 1925 by Moses Orimolade Tunolase and Christiana Abiodun Akinsowon, emphasizing visions, healing, and prophetic revelations (Olofinjana, 2017; Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d.)
These churches often incorporate practices such as the use of incense, candles, and ritualistic cleansings, reflecting a syncretism between Christianity and African Traditional Religions (BRG Analysis, 2023). Such blending raises concerns about the purity of worship and adherence to biblical teachings. In Scripture, white garments symbolize righteousness and purity bestowed by God, not physical attire. Revelation 3:5 speaks of the faithful being clothed in white, signifying their righteousness through Christ. Similarly, Revelation 19:8 describes the fine linen as "the righteous acts of the saints." These passages emphasize spiritual purity over external dress (Smith & Johnson, 2023). However, when churches mandate white clothing as a prerequisite for worship or spiritual experiences, it risks shifting focus from internal transformation to external conformity. Jesus warned against such practices, stating, "They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules" (Matthew 15:9).
Former members of white garment churches have reported experiences involving spiritual initiations, oath-taking, and rituals linked to ancestral spirits. Some testimonies describe prophetic trances and deliverance sessions that mirror occult practices . These accounts suggest a need for discernment and caution when engaging with such movements (End Time Truth, 2023). Investigations have revealed ties between certain white garment churches and secret societies like Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. These organizations often promote esoteric knowledge and rituals that conflict with Christian teachings . The incorporation of symbols and practices from these groups into church rituals can lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel.
Influence on Mainstream Pentecostalism
The practices of white garment churches have increasingly influenced mainstream Pentecostal and charismatic movements in Africa. This was particularly evident in April 2025 during the Kigali conference, where worshippers were dressed head-to-toe in white garments. While Grace Room presents itself as a non-denominational Rwandan ministry, bishops and church leaders elsewhere noted the striking similarity of the dress code and worship style to the West African "White Garment" churches (Yadah, 2025). This connection was further reinforced when Pastor Kabanda testified during a service about her meeting with Bishop David Oyedepo, a prominent figure known for his white garment ministry (featured in Le Vase d'honneur, 2025). Elements such as prophetic declarations, ritualistic cleansings, and emphasis on dreams and visions are being adopted without thorough biblical scrutiny. While some symbols like white garments can have legitimate spiritual significance - as seen in baptismal practices where white represents purity and new life (Mothers Always Right, 2024) - their mandatory use in worship raises questions about the source of such practices and their alignment with Scripture (Smith & Johnson, 2023).
Final Exhortation
While cultural expressions in worship can enrich Christian experience, they must align with biblical truth. True spiritual manifestations should reflect the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Consider these essential questions:
Does the Holy Spirit's presence primarily cause uncontrolled manifestations, or does it bring peace and order? Scripture teaches that "God is not a God of disorder but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). Should genuine spiritual experiences involve animal-like behavior or snake-like movements? Or should they reflect the dignity of being made in God's image? Does authentic Gospel teaching create materialistic desires, or does it cultivate contentment and heavenly mindedness? "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2). Do true prophetic words mainly promise wealth and success, or do they lead to deeper repentance and closer fellowship with God? Should wearing white garments be mandatory for spiritual experience, or is true righteousness an internal matter of the heart rather than external appearance?
As 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us, "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." In these last days, we must be especially vigilant as Jesus warned that "false prophets will rise up and deceive many" (Matthew 24:11). The imminent return of Christ calls us to maintain spiritual discernment and biblical fidelity. Therefore, test every spirit (1 John 4:1), examine all teachings against Scripture like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), and prepare your hearts for Christ's return through genuine holiness and spiritual maturity. Focus on the internal transformation that comes through intimate relationship with Christ rather than external manifestations or material promises.
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