Rwanda’s Crackdown on Churches: A Controversial Move by President Kagame
In a move that has sparked widespread debate, the Rwandan government, led by President Paul Kagame, has defended the closure of numerous Evangelical churches. President Kagame criticized these religious institutions, labeling them as a “den of bandits” and remnants of colonial influence.
The closure is part of a broader enforcement of a 2018 law aimed at regulating religious organizations. Under this law, over 10,000 churches have been shuttered, as they failed to meet stringent requirements. These include mandatory theological training for preachers and compliance with health, safety, and financial standards, according to a report by AFP.
One notable closure was that of Grace Room Ministries, an Evangelical church known for attracting large congregations to Kigali’s BK Arena. The church was closed in May due to insufficient documentation and alleged unauthorized activities.
President Kagame expressed his views at a recent news briefing, questioning the relevance of churches in addressing Rwanda’s development challenges. He stated, “In all the development challenges we are dealing with, the wars, our country’s survival … what is the role of these churches. … Are they also providing jobs? Many are just thieving.”
The law further mandates that church donations must be routed through registered accounts and that churches must present annual action plans aligned with national values.
Pastor Sam Rugira, who experienced the closure of two church branches due to fire safety issues, argued that the regulation disproportionately impacts new Evangelical churches. He criticized the government’s approach, asserting that it should assist churches in compliance rather than shutting them down.
Despite meeting government requirements, some churches remain closed, fueling concerns among religious leaders. A Kigali pastor highlighted the president’s apparent disdain for churches, suggesting challenging times ahead for religious institutions.
Political analyst Louis Gitinywa commented on the situation, suggesting that the ruling party is wary of any entity that garners significant public influence. An anonymous government official echoed this sentiment.
Muslim leaders have also voiced their concerns, particularly regarding restrictions on the public call to prayer. Although Article 37 of the Rwandan Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, the enforcement of the 2018 law has been inconsistent. Some Muslim clerics are considering challenging these restrictions.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
