By Isolde Doubell
Since 29 July the government of Rwanda has closed more than 4000 churches and some mosques on the grounds of not complying with government regulations, with 700 of these churches in Kigali alone. Inspections are still ongoing. These regulations were in accordance with a law that was passed in 2018 when the government stipulated that churches need adequate infrastructure and to pass safety and hygiene codes. These relate to parking, fire hazard equipment, sound proofing systems, safe locations, etc. Pastors also need university degrees in theology, and churches need legal registration and to have clear statements indicating their doctrine. Once the closed churches meet all the set requirements and have received a certificate from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), they may resume operations. According to the RGB, this law is to protect the people of Rwanda, and they are taking a hard line since the churches had five years (ending in September 2023) to comply with these standards.
Rwanda’s 12 million people are largely Christian. According to the 2022 population and housing census, 40% are Catholic, 21% Pentecostal, 15% Protestant, 12% Seventh Day Adventists and 4% belong to other Christian denominations. Only 2% of Rwandans are Muslim.
A friend of INcontext in Rwanda explains that the situation is very challenging for the churches. His church was closed down and they are meeting online at the moment. “This is not the way church should be done because fellowship happens best in person, and communities are built and thrive on face-to-face interactions. Most churches in Rwanda are one-pastor-lead. The stipulation of having theological training at university level is greatly affecting us. My guess is that more than 90% of church leaders here do not have university level theology training. Churches are also required to have sound proof systems, but noise from bars and entertainment venues is not restricted. All churches are required to have parking space, even if there is little ground around the church, or the church is in a poorer community where everybody walks to church. The same does not apply to hospitals and clinics for instance. We feel that the churches are treated unfairly. We as Christians need patience for the situation and faithfulness in attending weekly Bible studies, especially where the churches are closed. Christian leaders need prayer to be bold and to stand up for the separation of Church and state.”
President Paul Kagame, who led the Rwanda Patriotic Front in 1994 when they ousted forces responsible for the civil war and ended the genocide, has been in office as president since 2000. He was surprised by the number of churches in Kigali: “Seven hundred churches [closed down] in Kigali? Are these boreholes that give people water? I don’t think we have as many boreholes. Do we even have as many factories?” The implication can be that all churches in Rwanda are not contributing to the society and welfare of people in general. Christianity has had a positive impact on the socio-cultural arena throughout Africa. In addition to involvement in evangelism and discipleship, Christian communities were behind the founding and growth of educational institutions, health facilities, poverty alleviation projects, children’s homes, and even civic initiatives. However, today the African Church, although growing at a rapid rate, is faced with many challenges. According to the Lausanne Movement, the rise of false prophets is prevalent in the African Church in general, as is unbiblical doctrine, specifically the prosperity teaching. In some areas, the Church has become self-focused and does not make an impact in the community. The body of Christ needs to be an agent of transformation. It is true, the Church needs to be protected against deception and exploitation, but it also needs to have freedom and not to be regulated unfairly. Wisdom is needed and some of the religious and community leaders are questioning president Kagame’s motives in the church closures. Most of the churches that were closed so far have been small Pentecostal churches. Mr Kagame rules over a tightly controlled society where his critics say there is little freedom of speech, and he has frequently expressed his concern over the rapid increase of non-traditional churches. Dictatorial paranoia, according to Open Doors, is the greatest threat to the church in Rwanda.
Please join us in prayer for the following:
- Pray that Church leaders in Rwanda would receive the necessary training and support to meet the new government regulations. May they have wisdom and boldness to navigate these challenges while standing firm in their faith and continuing to serve their congregations.
- Pray for the Christian community in Rwanda, especially those whose Churches have been closed. Ask God to strengthen their faith, provide them with alternative ways to fellowship and worship, and encourage them to remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.
- Pray for the Rwandan government to act justly and fairly towards the Church and that the Church would be seen as a positive force for transformation in society.
