However many of them have since reopened after taking corrective measures, according to a Statement by the Government of Rwanda released Saturday.
The government says that the closures do not infringe on freedom of worship but serve to address the alarming proliferation of places of worship in dilapidated and unhygienic conditions, as well as troubling behaviour of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as religious leaders.
The latter have, among other abuses, defrauded innocent followers, broadcast insults against women and other religions and forced followers to fast to the point of death from starvation.
Following an extensive consultative process, a meeting held on February 13th 2018 involving the Rwanda Governance Board, Ministry of Local Government, Kigali City officials, and church leaders, resolved to urgently address the increase in places of worship that failed to meet minimum building and hygiene standards, posed a serious threat to the safety of occupants, or had become a public nuisance.
Previously, in the City of Kigali alone, close to 2,000 prayer houses were in operation. According to the Government, in some parts of Kigali, there are ten churches or prayer houses in a single village.
“The number itself is not a problem but in some buildings three or four different denominations would hold prayer services at the same time, resulting in unbearable levels of noise and an unsafe environment for occupants,” a statement says.
The government says that though the buildings and other worship spaces deemed inappropriate or hazardous were closed, the affected religious organisations remained active, and their right to religion guaranteed.
The Association of Pentecostal Churches of Rwanda (ADEPR) had over 3,300 prayer houses countrywide, of which 1,381 were found to be below standard and closed down. After six weeks, 300 (more than 20%) of those took corrective measures to meet minimum standards and were allowed to re-open.
For Muslims, 15% of mosques inspected failed to meet minimum standards and were closed. However Islamic worship continues across Rwanda in mosques that meet the standards.
“Across Rwanda, churches and mosques that were closed have reopened after fulfilling the requirements. Others are still in the process of fulfilling requirements,” the statement reads.
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Last week, Members of Parliament passed the law governing faith-based organisations and is currently awaiting promulgation.
The government says that the new law seeks to ensure freedom of religion is fully exercised and enjoyed by all citizens, in a safe and dignified manner.
However, the new law has tightened the requirements for individuals heading a faith-based organization as they will need to hold a bachelor’s degree in theology.
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