Over 5,600 churches in Rwanda were closed down by the government for a variety of reasons, including 100 local churches African culture heavily incorporates religion. Churches have become hubs for answers and assistance, maybe because most African nations are still developing.
But this has also resulted in the growth of religious institutions, the majority of which, according to critics, are less spiritual and more transactional, giving little to no thought to the safety and security of their adherents.
In Rwanda, Christianity is the most common religion. With over 45% of the population identifying as Catholic and 35% as Protestant, Catholicism and Protestantism are the two most common denominations in Rwanda. Out of the total population, 5% identify as Catholics and 35% as Protestants.
Recently, President Paul Kagame’s administration in Rwanda took an unimaginable step. More than 5,600 churches were targeted by the government, 100 of which were cave churches. And why is it the case? the transactional character of many houses of worship and the disregard for safety and health laws, such as inadequate soundproofing.
The action is part of a two-week statewide operation by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), which started on July 29th, according to Rwandan media outlet The News Times. According to RGB Chief Executive Usta Kaitesi, the bulk of the impacted faith-based organizations lacked basic infrastructure, appropriate cleanliness, and safety norms, while a few others were conducting business unlawfully.
“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; 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?” Kaitesi said on the public broadcaster RBA.
Rwanda passed a law in 2018 demanding that places of worship run in a structured and secure manner. It outlaws the use of loud public speaker systems and mandates theological training for all preachers prior to their appointment to a church. This is a step toward making sure worshippers are safe and peaceful.
While charismatic pastors lead Pentecostal churches all throughout Rwanda, some of them are large and draw large crowds of worshippers every Sunday because they execute prophesies and miracles. Conversely, there are some small, substandard buildings that were constructed without the required planning authority.
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