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Over 5,000 Churches in Rwanda shut down for not complying with government’s regulations

Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame
Over 5,000 Churches in Rwanda shut down for not complying with government's regulations 17

Several Churches in Rwanda have come under the axe of the government. The move by the Rwandan government has seen over 5000 Churches shut down over poor safety standards and inadequate registration formalities.

Records have it that the Rwanda government has shut down 5,600 churches, including some 100 places of worship operating in caves for not complying with the country’s safety and health regulations.

The churches were closed down following a two-week nationwide operation that was conducted by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). The operation was aimed at enforcing regulations against Churches that lacked proper infrastructure and hygiene standards, as well as those operating illegally.

From an information monitored by PTL News, Usta Kaitesi, Chief Executive of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) was quoted to have said, “This is an ongoing nationwide operation for those churches that remain non-compliant with the law,”

Mr. Kaitesi added, “As RGB we are not deterred by any effort in the pursuit of having proper standards of places of worship. The idea is that people should understand that these are not healthy ways of worship.”

In Rwanda, the law requires that places of worship operate in an orderly and secure manner. It prohibits the use of loudspeakers and mandates that all preachers undergo theological training before establishing a church to ensure the safety and tranquility of worshippers.

This recent move represents the most significant enforcement since 2018 when the Law Regulating Places of Worship was enacted. Immediately when the law was implemented, approximately 700 churches were closed.

Rwandan leader President Paul Kagame has implemented strict regulations on places of worship, emphasizing the need for order and safety.

The government has expressed concerns over the proliferation of churches, particularly in the capital city, Kigali, where the number of congregations is exceedingly high.

Kagame has criticized this growth as excessive, even questioning whether the city has as many factories or essential infrastructure like deep wells.

Kagame’s government has enforced regulations that demand compliance with safety, health, and noise standards, resulting in the closure of thousands of churches across the country.

The crackdown on places of worship is part of a broader effort to regulate religious practices in Rwanda. A 2018 law requires pastors to hold theological degrees from accredited institutions and mandates churches to adhere to strict building codes and hygiene standards.

Kagame’s administration argues that these measures are necessary to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety of congregants. The government has stated that the closures are not intended to infringe on religious freedom but to address issues related to the unregulated spread of religious establishments.

Despite these efforts, the regulations have faced criticism from some religious leaders and communities. While many acknowledge the need for reform, they also highlight the challenges posed by the rapid implementation of these rules, particularly for smaller congregations that struggle to meet the new requirements.

The Rwandan Catholic Bishops’ Conference has criticized the government’s communication and the speed of the closures, calling for clearer explanations and more time for churches to comply​.

In a report, Mr. Kaitesi said that the government has taken a firm stance against the rapid proliferation of places of worship. Despite this crackdown, he noted that some places remain in poor condition.

While many Pentecostal churches have been established by charismatic pastors across Rwanda, attracting large congregations every Sunday due to reported questionable miracles and prophecies; others are small, poorly built, and lack proper planning permission.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda, with Catholicism and Protestantism as the main denominations. About 45 percent of the population identifies as Catholic, while 35 percent identify as Protestant.

The Law

The Rwandan parliament passed the legislation in July 2018 aimed to regulate faith-based organizations in the Central African country.

The new law requires pastors to have a theology degree before they can start their own churches. It also requires faith-based organizations to declare grants to the regulator, Rwanda Governance Board.

Under the new law, any financial support to a faith-based organization must be channeled through the organization’s account in a bank or a financial institution in Rwanda.

The law, which replaces an older one enacted in 2012, will come into force after being assented to by the president. It gives a period of five years for those already in service to acquire qualifications or be kicked out.

The law was drafted by Rwanda Governance Board and submitted to the Rwanda Law Reform Commission last year for scrutiny before being sent to the parliament.

Lawmakers argued that the new legislation will create order and control the mushrooming of churches, some of which are formed by pastors driven by greed.

The passing of the new law comes months after the government closed thousands of churches across the country which authorities said did not comply with building safety standards.

Most of the affected churches belonged to Pentecostal church.

By the law places of worship have to meet basic requirements including safety, hygiene, and infrastructure.

Some Rwandans also share the belief that strict measures are necessary.

It is believed that some pastors live off their followers; others enrich themselves using grants meant to support church projects because there is no accountability.

On the other hand, the Rwandan Catholic Bishops’ Conference has criticized the government’s communication and the speed of the closures, calling for clearer explanations and more time for churches to comply.

Source: PraiseTheLord News (PTL News)

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