Why Rwanda Is Closing Thousands of Churches at an Unprecedented Scale

Why Rwanda Is Closing Thousands of Churches at an Unprecedented Scale

Grace Room Ministries and thousands of others closed under 2018 worship regulation law

Rwanda has shut down thousands of churches, including the prominent Grace Room Ministries, which once filled giant stadiums three times a week, in a sweeping enforcement of the 2018 law regulating places of worship. Reports indicate that up to 10,000 churches have been closed nationwide for failing to meet the requirements.

The 2018 law mandates churches to submit annual action plans, channel all donations through registered accounts, comply with health and safety regulations, and ensure that all preachers receive formal theological training.

President Paul Kagame has repeatedly criticized the rapid growth of evangelical churches across the Great Lakes region, questioning their contribution to national development. “If it were up to me I wouldn’t even reopen a single church,” he said, accusing some churches of theft and criminal activity.

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Despite Christianity being the dominant religion in Rwanda, according to the 2024 census, many worshippers now face long and costly journeys to find operational churches. Analysts say the closures are as much about government control as compliance. “There’s no rival in terms of influence,” said Louis Gitinywa, a Kigali-based lawyer and political analyst.

Some church leaders argue that the regulations disproportionately affect new evangelical churches that have “mushroomed” in recent years. Others link the clampdown to historical concerns, noting that during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, religious institutions could sometimes serve as recruitment conduits for extremist groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Pastors such as Sam Rugira suggest that the government should work with churches to meet requirements rather than shut them down, particularly regarding donation reporting and operational compliance.

Observers say Kagame’s open disdain for independent churches signals a tough road ahead, with potential impacts on religious freedom, community engagement, and the country’s spiritual landscape.

Why Rwanda Is Closing Thousands of Churches at an Unprecedented Scale