The Rwandan authorities have begun shutting churches en masse, a process that is being driven by ‘dictatorial paranoia,’ according to persecuted church agency Open Doors. It has revealed that over 6,000 churches, mainly smaller independents, have been forced to close since August, following new legislation, with roughly 15,000 closures in total since 2018.
The laws were purportedly enacted for health and safety reasons, as well as to prevent church corruption. Now churches must soundproof their buildings and install specific canvas ceilings (themselves serious fire hazards). All churches must have lightning conductors and there must be a parking space for each member. Furthermore, every pastor must have a theological degree from an accredited institution and any church wishing to register with the authorities must prove it has at least 1,000 members.
Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame, believes the country had too many churches and has condemned what he called ‘mushrooming churches’ that ‘squeeze even the last penny from poor Rwandans’.
Evangelicals Now was given an exclusive interview with a local expert on the current situation, who needs to remain anonymous. Asked how churches are responding he said ‘The bigger denominations and churches are less affected by these regulations because they are able to fulfil the requirements, while the smaller churches and less established denominations have no choice but to close down. Even if they do comply there’s no desire from the government to reopen them. And the government is not interested in engaging with these churches’.
He was then asked if there is any realistic prospect of the government modifying its position? He replied ‘No, the government has made its stance towards the churches clear; it does not want them. Certainly, places of worship need to be safe, but this is just an excuse to clamp down on them. Those which have already closed are seeking alternative ways of meeting, praying, having fellowship and sharing the word.
