The Authentic Word Ministries/Zion Temple Celebration Center (AWM/ZTCC), led by Apostle Dr. Paul Gitwaza, has apologized to nurses, midwives and others who may have been hurt by remarks made by its senior pastor during a sermon delivered on August 7, 2026.
In videos that have been widely circulated on social media, Apostle Gitwaza is heard warning parents to be careful about the first person who holds their baby after birth. He said: “When you give birth to a boy or a girl, be careful about the first person who holds the baby whom you do not know. The spirit of witchcraft is in many ‘nurses’ [midwives], those midwives.”
Dr Gitwaza went on to say that during the biblical account of the killing of Israelites, the people involved were midwives.
AWM/ZTCC said in a statement that it had seen the video circulating on social media, which contains part of a sermon Apostle Gitwaza delivered on August 7, 2026.
The church said it had become aware that the remarks in the video were misunderstood by different people, particularly nurses and midwives, who felt that the comments demeaned their profession and the important role they play in the health and well-being of the population.
The church said it had no intention of undermining or diminishing the value of the nursing and midwifery professions, or any other profession.
It said that although this was not its intention, it acknowledged that the words used had hurt people and caused concern.
“Therefore, we sincerely apologize to nurses and midwives, as well as to anyone else who may have been hurt by this message,” the church said.
AWM/ZTCC further said that it holds nurses and midwives in high regard and appreciates their dedication, professionalism and role in saving lives, caring for families, and promoting the health and well-being of the population.
The church also noted that, through its health and community development activities, it has had opportunities to work with healthcare professionals, including nurses, and that it values their contribution to serving the community.
After becoming aware of the concerns caused by the remarks, AWM/ZTCC said it reached out to leaders representing nurses and midwives to express its regret over what happened and engage in discussions with them.
The church thanked the leaders for the way they received the discussions and said they agreed to continue working together on initiatives aimed at promoting understanding, cooperation and rebuilding trust between the two sides.
AWM/ZTCC also said the incident reminded it of the significant responsibility that the church and its leaders have when their words reach a large audience.
“We will continue to make every effort to fulfil this responsibility with wisdom, humility and respect for the dignity of every person and their profession,” the church said.
Zion Temple concluded by reaffirming its commitment to preaching the Word of God and promoting love, unity, reconciliation and service to others.
Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union issued a statement on the matter
The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union (RNMU) said that remarks made by the Senior Pastor of Authentic Word Ministries/Zion Temple Celebration Center (AWM/ZTCC), Apostle Dr. Paul Gitwaza, are concerning because they could negatively affect the image of the nursing and midwifery professions, as well as the members of the public who receive healthcare services from these professionals.
Gitwaza went on to say that, according to the biblical account of the killing of the Israelites, the people involved were midwives.
In a statement issued by RNMU on October 8, 2026, the union said: “The Rwanda Nurses and Midwives Union was saddened to see a video of a sermon delivered at Zion Temple on August 7, 2026, containing a message that undermines the nursing and midwifery professions. This could negatively affect how people perceive professionals in these fields, as well as the members of the public they provide services to.”
RNMU said nurses and midwives are very important in safeguarding the health of mothers and children, as well as in the healthcare system in general, and deserve respect for their contribution.
The union said it held discussions with Zion Temple following the incident and accepted the apology offered by the church.