The JW-RWA study presents quantitative findings on the demographic, religious, and psychosocial characteristics of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rwanda, with a focus on experiences before, during, and after the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Conducted in 2023, the nationwide survey included 13,590 respondents, representing half of the adult baptized Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rwanda.
Respondents reported high levels of intrinsic religiosity, strong identification with their faith, and widespread agreement on core beliefs. Findings indicate a consistent pattern of nonviolence and political neutrality among Jehovah’s Witnesses, both during the government ban (1982 to 1992) and the Genocide against the Tutsi. Despite being a small religious minority, members of the faith community provided significant help to those targeted during the Genocide, often at personal risk. The number of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rwanda increased dramatically post-Genocide, with most converts citing doctrinal clarity, hope for the future, and a closer relationship with God as key motivations.
Measures of forgiveness, prosocial behavior, and community support revealed positive patterns across demographic groups. Congregations were viewed as sources of emotional and practical support, with a large majority of respondents reporting improved wellbeing since becoming Jehovah’s Witnesses. Family satisfaction was generally high, with no significant differences based on gender, generation, or Genocide role-situation. Conversations about trauma and Genocide experiences were common, though respondents expressed sensitivity to emotional boundaries and generational differences.
Overall, the study highlights the potential role of religious values and community support in fostering resilience, reconciliation, and psychosocial wellbeing. The findings suggest that shared beliefs and prosocial practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses contribute to healing and social cohesion in post-conflict settings.
