Authorities in Christian-majority Rwanda have closed more than 5 600 churches in the last month, on the grounds they did not comply with health and safety regulations, BBC News reports.
Pentecostal congregations were the most affected by the closures, with 427 churches having operated in caves, BBC News said.
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In the first major crackdown of this kind, the closures follow legislation passed in 2019 to regulate the proliferation of houses of worship and ensure they operate safely and with soundproofing for loud audio systems, BBC News reports. The law also requires preachers to have formal theological training before starting a church.
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Commenting on the closures, Minister of Local Government Jean Claude Musabyimana told state media: “This is not being done to prevent people from praying but to ensure the safety and tranquillity of worshipers.”
In a 2024 report about the situation facing Christians in Rwanda, Open Doors international explains: “The fear of history repeating itself looms over the nation like an ominous cloud, and the government cites the devastating 1990s genocide as a justification for its heavy-handed tactics. While the intent may be to preserve societal peace, the consequence is a society walking on eggshells.”
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“Legislation passed in recent years has laden religious organizations with bureaucratic complexities, ostensibly for the sake of public safety and order,” Open Doors said. “The catch-all nature of these regulations has led to mass closures of places of worship and created an environment where religious leaders are scrutinised based on their educational qualifications,” Open Doors added.
A number of mosques have been closed on health and safety grounds as well.
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