More than 5,600 places of worship, including, churches and mosques, have been shut down over the past week for failing to comply with Rwandan laws governing the organization and functioning of faith-based organizations, officials said.
The closures are part of a two-week nationwide operation by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), which began on July 29.
RGB Chief Executive Usta Kaitesi stated that the majority of the affected faith-based organizations were found lacking basic infrastructure, proper hygiene, and safety standards. Additionally, several others were operating illegally.
“This is an ongoing nationwide operation for those churches that remain non-compliant with the law. As RGB, we are not deterred by any effort in the pursuit of having proper standards of places of worship,” Kaitesi said on the public broadcaster RBA on Monday, August 5.
Kaitesi emphasized that the closures are not just about legal compliance but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of worshippers. “The idea is that people should understand that these are not healthy ways of worship,” she said, referring to congregations meeting in dilapidated structures such as tents and caves. “Worshippers should not be exposed to hazards. According to the faith of most Christians, God is omnipresent; why should a worshipper risk their life inside a cave?”
The law requires places of worship to operate in an organized manner and a safe environment while prohibiting noise pollution. It also mandates that all religious leaders acquire the requisite theological training. Since the law’s adoption in 2018, about 700 churches were initially closed due to lack of required standards. Kaitesi noted that RGB is taking a tough stance as churches have had five years to comply with the regulations.
“We held a consultative meeting with the Rwanda Inter-religious Council (RIC) towards the end of 2023, during which we reminded them to comply with the provisions of the law. While some churches continue to abide, we still see people worshipping from dilapidated places. For example, we have so far shut down 100 cave churches,” Kaitesi said.
Dieudonné Mutunzi, the leader of the Methodist Church in Ngoma Parish, one of the places of worship shut down last week, emphasized that the ongoing operation “does not target any denomination or faith.”
Mutunzi admitted that their leadership had already begun making improvements to meet the standards so their congregation can gather again.
“At maximum capacity, our church can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers, and local authorities found only one bathroom for either men or women. We were advised to increase the number of restrooms, work on the parking lot, have a standard fire extinguisher, and install lightning conductors as part of safety standards,” Mutunzi said.
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