Source: The Christian Post, August 10, 2024
Rwanda closed more than 5,600 churches in July 2024 after nearly a third of the inspected places of worship failed to meet legal standards. The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) said that 13,000 religious institutions were inspected in collaboration with the local authorities.
RGB Chief Executive Dr. Usta Kaitesi, told Kigali-based news site IGIHE—which reported an even higher number of over 7,700 churches closed—that the board, in collaboration with local authorities, carried out the inspection over two weeks in July. She revealed that a large number of the churches affected did not have the requisite permits to operate places of worship while others could not provide the qualifications of the leaders.
Kaitesi said that faith-based organizations were given ample time to comply with the regulations. She added that a significant number of the affected churches had minor infractions, which could be rectified and their permits reinstated. A majority of places of worship impacted by the ongoing crackdown were Pentecostal churches.
Several other stories about battles over churches and church buildings have come our way recently:
- Read about a new decree that makes worship difficult for persecuted Christians in Vietnam (Global Christian Relief).
- Learn why a Baptist group in Uzbekistan is frustrated at the recent demolition of two buildings under construction, evidently due to pressure from a state-appointed Muslim cleric who opposed Christian activity (Forum 18).