The Ministry of Local Government has banned 43 religious sects that operated without a licence. The ordered closure is according to a Thursday, August 22 letter to all districts by Minister of Local Government Jean-Claude Musabyimana. The religious sects don't have legal personality or status, said Joseph Curio Havugimana, a spokesperson for the ministry. ALSO READ: Closure of non-compliant faith-based organisations: What are the essential requirements? The ban is part of a countrywide assessment of faith-based organisations by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), which has seen more than 5,600 churches and mosques closed since early August over non-compliance with set standards, Havugimana said. The standards deal with doctrinal and ethical issues, building and safety as well as qualifications of church leaders, among other things. The banned religious sects include Abagorozi, Abakusi, Abanywagake, Abarokore, bavandimwe church, Agape Sanctuary, Apostolic Faith Mission International Assemblies of Lord, Bethel Miracle Church, Chrisco Church Cornerstone Temple Dusenyi, Dusabimana church, Edam Eebvr, and Eglise Bethania. They also include Future Bright Spark Church, Gopher Church Ubuhungiro, Hope Provision centre church, Hosian Bible church Independent Evangelical Lutheran, Congregation Rwanda Ihema Ry'amahoro, International Pentecost Ministries, Intumwa n'Abahanuzi Intwarane, and Isoko Ibohora. ALSO READ: Over 5,600 churches shut down over non-compliance The ministry also banned Isoko Imarinyota Ivugurura n'Ubugorozi i Remera, Joy of Salvation Church, Liberty Bible Church, Life In Jesus Christ, Lutheran Mission in Africa, Philadelphia Church, Principle of Holy Spirit Church, Promesse Life Covenant Church and Redeemed Baptist Church. There is also Reformation Christian Church, Salvation Church, Ismaili Religious and Cultural Organisation for Rwanda, Ubuzima Bushya Muri Kirisito, UDEPR Impinduka, Umugeni wa Kristo, Umurage w'Abera Pentecote as well as Urwambariro rw'Abera mu Rwanda. President Paul Kagame, on August 14, tasked new MPs and Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente to address issues of disorderliness in faith-based organizations. Kagame questioned how Rwanda could have so many churches, pointing out that some of them were established to squeeze money out of unsuspecting followers. “What happened to you Rwandans that you should be lured by anyone in such a manner? And this happens across,” he said pointing out cases where some people could even be led to death.
