The Proliferation of Places of Worship

The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches.

By Theo Edwards

Rwanda: August 14, 2024: The Rwandan government clamped down on more than 5,600 churches, including 100 cave churches. The reason; is the failure to comply with safety and health regulations, such as poor soundproofing and the transactional nature of many places of worship.

Rwanda has progressively been implementing a law passed in 2018 to regulate religious organizations. The law requires religious leaders to have theological training before operating a church and mandates the RGB to inspect the physical safety of the buildings housing the churches.

This recent move represents the most significant enforcement since the 2018 law regulating places of worship was implemented. When the law was enacted, approximately 700 churches were closed.

In a statement, RGB said that the inspection focuses on verifying that religious organizations have registration documents issued by the board. The churches also need to show letters of collaboration with the district authorities. 

“Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations and ensuring that prayer houses/buildings meet legal standards,” read the statement issued on August 1.

Believers worship during a Sunday service at an Anglican church in the Kacyiru, Rwanda, on Feb. 16, 2019. | The Christian Post/Samuel Smith

'There should be an intentional willingness to comply with the law. When we register faith-based organizations, we ask them to provide their structure. The education requirement is primarily targeted at the top personnel in the organizational structure,' clarified Kaitesi.