For years, Prophet Mulindwa Jules, founder and spiritual leader of City of Refuge Church, has faced criticism from some observers who accuse him of focusing more on politics than on preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Although he has consistently rejected claims that he is a politician, a recent sermon has reignited the debate after he appeared to acknowledge that politics plays a role in his ministry.
Throughout his ministry, Prophet Mulindwa has maintained that he has no intention of entering politics, arguing that his divine calling is far greater than any political office.
“For those who think that I am a politician just because I teach about how citizens must behave toward established authorities, I want to make it clear that I will never become a politician. Politics is a lower calling compared to what God has appointed me to do,” he has repeatedly said.
A Longstanding Philosophy
Since launching his ministry in 2009, Prophet Mulindwa has consistently expressed support for state institutions, from the presidency to local administrative authorities. During Joseph Kabila’s presidency, he encouraged his followers to obey the government, arguing that respect for established authorities is a biblical principle.
He publicly supported government initiatives and discouraged opposition parties from challenging those in power. As a result, many critics questioned his interpretation of the Gospel, while others labeled him a supporter of former President Joseph Kabila.
Faced with such criticism, Prophet Mulindwa remained firm in defending his position. He argued that spirituality and society cannot be separated, insisting that a true follower of Christ is recognized not only by personal faith but also by responsible conduct within society.
To support his position, he frequently cites Romans 13:1, which calls on believers to submit to governing authorities because all authority is established by God. He also refers to 1 Timothy 2:1–2, where Christians are encouraged to pray for all people, especially kings and those in positions of authority.
Over the years, City of Refuge Church has remained committed to this philosophy, making it one of the defining characteristics that distinguishes the ministry from many other churches in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Loyalty to Institutions Rather Than Individuals
After Joseph Kabila left office, Prophet Mulindwa demonstrated that his support was directed toward institutions rather than political personalities. Since Félix Tshisekedi assumed the presidency, he has continued to express the same level of support for the current administration.
Some critics viewed this shift from supporting Kabila to supporting Tshisekedi as political inconsistency. However, Prophet Mulindwa has repeatedly argued that his position is based on biblical principles rather than personal loyalty to political leaders.
Despite these explanations, critics continue to accuse him of becoming increasingly involved in politics. His recent messages supporting the government’s proposed constitutional amendment have generated renewed controversy. During several sermons, he openly backed the government’s position while cautioning opposition groups against challenging the current administration.
“Politics Is Everywhere”
Questions about whether Prophet Mulindwa is a pastor or a politician have become increasingly common across social media platforms because of the frequency with which he comments on national affairs.
During a sermon on Sunday, July 26, 2026, he dismissed such questions, saying that anyone who asks them is “possessed.”
“People are asking whether I am a politician or not. Whoever asks that question is possessed. I have the Holy Spirit, and I only say what the Holy Spirit wants me to say,” he said.
He then expanded on his argument by suggesting that politics exists in nearly every aspect of leadership, including in the biblical narrative.
“God is called the King of kings, the General of generals, the Lord of hosts. Can those things function without politics?”
He went further, arguing that God’s plan of salvation itself involved what he described as politics.
“God and His only begotten Son discussed how to bring humanity back after it had gone astray. The Son accepted to come as a sacrifice. Although He is immortal, they made the world believe He had died. He accepted to be placed in the grave before descending into hell to set the saints free. Was that not politics?”
He also gave practical examples drawn from everyday life.
“When I told you not to throw garbage or empty bottles into the street, didn’t you obey? And those who refused, did they show up here? Was that not politics?”
According to Prophet Mulindwa, leading a large church also requires political skills.
“Gathering all of you here, some sitting under the burning sun, is not easy. That’s politics. Worldly politicians do not gather as many people as I do, and the few they gather are often paid to attend. But wherever I announce my arrival, people spend the night at the venue before I even get there. Is that not politics?”
Distinguishing Good Politics from Bad Politics
Concluding his message, Prophet Mulindwa argued that not all politics is inherently negative. In his view, politics becomes wrong when it is used to oppress or destroy people. However, he maintained that politics aimed at educating citizens, preserving order, and protecting the nation serves a legitimate purpose.
The statement appears to mark one of his clearest acknowledgments that political activity, as he defines it, forms part of his ministry even while he continues to reject the label of politician.
Prophet Mulindwa Jules has previously argued that opposition originated in heaven when Lucifer rebelled against God. For that reason, he says his ministry will continue to support whoever lawfully holds public office, regardless of political party or personal background, in accordance with what he believes Scripture teaches about respecting established authorities.
