by Fred Muvunyi

A new church in Rwanda has opened its doors to the country's LGBT+ community, providing them with a safe space to worship on their own terms. The church, called the Church of God in Africa in Rwanda, is based in the capital, Kigali. It comes at a time when the LGBT+ community in Rwanda is gradually gaining acceptance and respect within a largely conservative society.

While many mainstream houses of prayer have sent them away, or made them feel unwelcome in the past, today more and more gay, lesbian or transgender Rwandans are feeling safe to come out. The church also provides a place of comfort to those without support systems, or who are shunned by society and their families.

Jean D'amour Abijuja, an openly gay member of the new church, was kicked out of a Pentecostal church in Kigali after its senior members discovered his sexual orientation. Now, Abijuja has found a place of comfort.

"When this church opened, I came here because we worship God without any stigma," he told DW. "Even someone like me with dreadlocks is welcome. And now, I am singing again." Read more via DW