RWANDAN authorities have announced the suspension of activities for 43 faith-based organisations across the country, effective August 28, following an extensive crackdown on non-compliant religious institutions. The decision comes just weeks after the closure of over 5,000 illegal churches.
A letter from the Ministry of Local Government directed district leaders to enforce the ban, stating that an ongoing evaluation revealed that these groups were operating in violation of existing regulations. The majority of the affected organisations are Pentecostal denominations, including the Lutheran Church, which was established in Rwanda in the 1990s to continue the work of German missionaries.
This recent action is part of a broader effort by the Rwandan government to regulate religious activities and ensure that places of worship comply with the country’s legal standards. The ban was announced on Thursday, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining order within the faith-based community.
Training and compliance
Authorities reported that 59.3 percent of the more than 13,000 churches inspected by the end of July were shut down due to non-compliance with legal requirements. This marks the second significant crackdown on places of worship in Rwanda. In 2018, over 700 churches were closed for operating illegally, and new regulations were introduced, requiring all preachers to undergo theological training before establishing a church.
The government had given religious leaders a five-year period to meet the necessary legal standards, but many have failed to do so, leading to the current wave of closures and bans.
Growing concern over church practices
Rwanda, a predominantly Christian country with around 40 percent of the population belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, has seen a rapid increase in Pentecostal churches in recent years. These churches, often led by charismatic preachers, promote the ‘wealth gospel,’ which promises followers miracles and prosperity.
However, Rwandan authorities have grown increasingly concerned about the motives of some religious leaders. President Paul Kagame, addressing the issue earlier this month, expressed suspicion that some clerics were exploiting their followers for financial gain under the guise of religious teachings. He also suggested the possibility of introducing a tax on church collections to regulate the financial activities of these institutions.
The crackdown and subsequent bans are part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that religious organisations operate within the law and do not pose a risk to public safety. The move has sparked discussions about the role of religious institutions in Rwanda and the need for greater oversight to protect worshippers.
As Rwanda continues to enforce these regulations, the future of many faith-based organisations in the country remains uncertain, with the government emphasising the need for compliance and responsible leadership within the religious community.
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