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The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) this week shut down 185 churches in a nationwide operation to weed out churches and other faith-based institutions that don’t meet the country’s set standards.
All the churches which had been shut down by Wednesday were in the Musanze District, in the Northern Province.
Institutions to be closed have inadequate infrastructure, poor hygiene, safety standards, do not meet noise requirements, or have unqualified preachers, said the RGB’s head of communication, Jean Bosco Rushingabigwi, in response to inquiries from News24.
“The inspection focuses on verifying that denominations and prayer houses have registration documents issued by the RGB, letters of collaboration with the district when a branch is opened, and that prayer houses meet legal requirements [building codes] for their location.
“We also check if the leaders hold the required academic degrees and certificates in theology at both the organisational and parish or branch levels,” he said.
He said that, when they discover the institutions don’t measure up, they are shut down before the next church gathering.
However, once they meet all the set requirements, operations may resume – after the issuance of a certificate from the RGB.
“Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development, while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organisations and ensuring that prayer houses or buildings meet legal standards,” Rushingabigwi said.
The inspections by the RBG also involve the police, health departments, and public works units.
The last time Rwanda carried out a similar operation was in 2019, when as many as 714 places of worship, most of it Pentecostal churches and a mosque, were closed.
According to the US State Department’s report on religious rights in Rwanda, the country’s requirements make it more difficult for smaller, less-resourced and independent groups to operate.
Results from Rwanda’s fifth population and housing census, conducted in August 2022, showed 40% of the population was Catholic, and 21% Pentecostal.
15% of the country was considered Protestant, 12% Seventh-Day Adventists, and 4% were other Christian denominations.
Muslims made up 2% of Rwandans.