In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame’s government shut down over 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches, due to non-compliance with safety and health regulations.
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) conducted a two-week nationwide operation to enforce these regulations, targeting churches lacking infrastructure and proper hygiene standards and those 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. The idea is that people should understand that these are not healthy ways of worship.
“This is not just about non-compliance with the law, but it also puts the lives of the worshippers at risk. 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?” RGB Chief Executive Usta Kaitesi said.
The law in Rwanda mandates that places of worship must operate in an orderly and secure manner. It prohibits the use of loudspeakers and requires all preachers to undergo theological training before establishing a church to ensure the safety and peacefulness of worshippers.
This recent action marks the most significant crackdown since the 2018 law aimed at regulating places of worship. When the law was enacted, around 700 churches were shut down.
Kagame has argued that the country does not need so many places of worship, suggesting that such a high number would be more appropriate for wealthier nations with the means to maintain them. Kagame, who recently won a fourth term with over 99% of the vote, insists he leads a well-regulated society, although critics claim there is limited freedom of speech.
The government has taken a firm stance against the rapid spread of places of worship. Despite this crackdown, Mr Kayitesi pointed out that some places remain in poor condition.
While numerous Pentecostal churches have been established by charismatic pastors across Rwanda, attracting large congregations every Sunday due to reported miracles and prophecies, others are small, poorly built, and lack proper planning permission.
Christianity is the dominant religion in Rwanda with Catholicism and Protestantism as the main denominations. About 45% of the population identifies as Catholic and 35% as Protestant.