Rwanda has imposed a ban on 43 religious organizations nationwide, effective August 28, following recent actions against unauthorized churches. The Ministry of Local Government has directed local officials to enforce this ban after discovering that these groups were not complying with regulatory standards. Many of the affected organizations are Pentecostal, including the Lutheran Church, which has been operating in Rwanda since the 1990s. This move follows the closure of more than 5,000 churches that were found to be non-compliant and posing safety risks to their congregations.
Mandatory Training
Authorities have reported that 59.3% of over 13,000 churches inspected by late July were closed for failing to meet compliance standards. This crackdown follows a similar action in 2018, when more than 700 churches were shut down for operating illegally.
New regulations require all church leaders to have theological training before starting a church. Although the government allowed five years for compliance, many leaders did not adhere to these requirements.
Church Taxation
With around 40% of Rwandans being Roman Catholic, the rise of Pentecostal churches, often led by charismatic preachers promoting prosperity gospel, has been notable. Authorities are now scrutinizing these groups more closely. President Paul Kagame has hinted at the possibility of taxing church revenue, citing concerns about some leaders exploiting their followers.