Local authorities in conjunction with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) closed down 185 churches in Musanze District over not meeting the requisite standards.
This follows a nationwide crackdown launched by the government on Monday, July 29. The move seeks to, among others, get rid of faith-based organizations that remain non-compliant with the 2018 law determining the organization and functioning of churches. In 2018, the authorities suspended the activities of 714 churches in different parts of Kigali for failure to meet minimum standards. At the time, many places of worship were found to lack basic infrastructure, proper hygiene and safety standards, and had issues related to their legal status, among others.
ALSO READ: Gatsibo closes 75 substandard churches, two mosques
Speaking to The New Times, Usta Kayitesi, the Chief Executive Officer of RGB, maintained that the new crackdown on churches failing to act in accordance with the law was brought to light when irregularities were observed in several churches.
She noted that the government earlier gave church leaders a period of five years to implement the necessary adjustments, something that the majority have not fulfilled.
ALSO READ: Cracking down on errant religious organizations timely
"We are looking at the compliance part of the law together with the Ministry of Local Government. This has seen many churches close down across the country due to non-compliance,” Kayitesi told The New Times.
"The crackdown should have begun in September last year (2023), but we decided to extend until August this year.”
According to Kayitesi, the law determining the organization and functioning of faith-based organizations provides for, among others, obtaining a legal personality, meeting minimum required qualifications for lead preachers of their sermons, and conducting their sermons or activities in safe or suitable facilities.
"The government has taken a stance against proliferation in the houses of worship. We still see cases of dilapidated [structures] and unhygienic conditions.”
Equally alarming, Kayitesi pointed out, is that several faith-based organizations’ leaders remain non-compliant against the provision of having appropriate religious studies credentials if they are to be leaders of faith-based organizations.
It is not yet clear how many exactly, but it is reported that more places of worship particularly in Karongi, Rubavu, and Gicumbi districts have been closed over the same issues.
According to a reverend who spoke to The New Times on condition of anonymity, the Ruhondo Parish of the Association of Pentecostal Churches in Rwanda (ADEPR) saw 14 out of its 15 churches closed.
"The same incident happened for Ururembo Parish which saw 70 churches closed, even without prior warning from either the local government or the Rwanda Inter-religious Council (RIC).”
Going forward, the source said, there is need for talks between the authorities and church leaders.
"Some of provisions under the law have been duly considered but there are challenges that can only be worked out together with the support from the government.”