Christianity in Burundi

Christianity is not indigenous to Burundi and arrived during the period of European colonial rule.

[1] Catholicism was introduced under Belgian rule (1916–62) and expanded rapidly during the interwar period when it was encouraged as part of the colonial civilising mission.

Among the observant Christians was the former president Pierre Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader during the Burundian Civil War, who was a born again Protestant.

[3] Although Burundi is officially a secular state, several religious observances are celebrated as national holidays.

[5] Burundian Christians are divided into separate Churches, often very small in size, which differ by religious belief.