Since July 29, the Rwandan government has shut down over 4,000 churches and several mosques, citing non-compliance with government regulations. In Kigali alone, 700 churches have been affected, with inspections still ongoing. These closures align with a 2018 law requiring places of worship to meet specific standards, such as adequate infrastructure, compliance with safety and hygiene codes, soundproofing systems, parking facilities, and proper locations. Additionally, pastors must hold university degrees in theology, and churches must have legal registration and clearly stated doctrines. Once these requirements are met and a certificate is issued by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the churches can resume operations. According to the RGB, the regulations aim to protect the population, emphasizing that churches had five years—ending in September 2023—to comply.
Rwanda’s population of 12 million is predominantly Christian. According to the 2022 population and housing census, 40% identify as Catholic, 21% Pentecostal, 15% Protestant, 12% Seventh-day Adventist, and 4% belong to other Christian denominations, while 2% are Muslim.
A local church leader described the closures as deeply challenging. His congregation, currently meeting online, struggles without in-person fellowship, which he sees as vital for community building. He expressed concerns over the stringent requirements, noting that over 90% of church leaders lack university-level theological training. He also highlighted perceived inconsistencies, such as requiring churches to install soundproofing systems while noise from bars and entertainment venues remains unregulated. Parking space requirements are especially difficult for churches in poorer areas, where most members walk. He called for patience and faithfulness among Christians during this time and urged boldness in advocating for a separation of church and state.
President Paul Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000, has expressed surprise at the sheer number of churches in Kigali. He remarked, “Seven hundred churches in Kigali? Are these boreholes that provide water? I don’t think we even have that many boreholes or factories.” His comments suggest skepticism about the societal contributions of churches. While Christianity has historically played a significant role in Africa’s socio-cultural development, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, the modern African Church faces challenges like the rise of false prophets, unbiblical doctrines like prosperity teaching, and a lack of community impact.
Critics of the church closures question Kagame’s motives, particularly as most affected institutions are small Pentecostal churches. Some argue that the regulations disproportionately target religious communities, while others point to Rwanda’s tightly controlled society and limited freedom of speech under Kagame’s leadership. Open Doors identifies “dictatorial paranoia” as the greatest threat to the church in Rwanda, underscoring the delicate balance between protecting religious communities from exploitation and ensuring their freedom to operate.
