Rwanda has shut down over 5,600 places of worship in a crackdown due to their failure to meet the required operating conditions. ..Read Full Article
The shutdown affected churches, mosques, caves, and tents that did not comply with the 2018 regulations.
This process, which began on July 29, found that these places failed to meet the legal requirements.
The Rwanda Government law requires religious leaders to have theology degrees, and faith organizations need to register with the government and submit clear statements of their beliefs.
These statements must be filed with the Rwanda Governance Board, the agency responsible for registering places of worship and other civil groups. They must also adhere to safety and hygiene standards.
“I think what was introduced—not today but five years ago—is good for the church.
“The government gave us five years to comply and kept giving us reminders.
“That ended last year in September,
“I think this was enough time to comply. We need to look at this from a positive side.” Anglican Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda said.
The Rwanda Governance Board established these rules and standards to control what officials saw as an uncontrolled increase in churches.
Mbanda stated that the rules are beneficial for enhancing the quality of worship and the overall environment for congregations.
“We are talking about aeration, sound control, toilets for men and women,
“I think there is nothing out of the ordinary about these,” he added.
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