Rwanda has closed approximately 10,000 churches, including major evangelical organisations like Grace Room Ministries, for failing to comply with a 2018 law. The legislation mandates strict health, safety, financial disclosure rules and requires all preachers to have formal theological training.
President Paul Kagame has expressed severe criticism of the proliferation of evangelical churches. “If it were up to me I wouldn’t even reopen a single church,” Kagame told a news briefing last month, questioning their role in national development.
He was particularly scathing, stating, “Many are just thieving… some churches are just a den of bandits.” The closures force many of Rwanda’s predominantly Christian population to travel long distances to find places to worship.
Analysts suggest the government’s motive is about maintaining control. “Kagame’s government is saying ‘there’s no rival in terms of influence,’” said Kigali-based lawyer and political analyst Louis Gitinywa. The ruling party “bristles when an organisation or individual gains influence”.
The law also requires churches to align with “national values” and channel all donations through registered accounts. Pastor Sam Rugira, whose churches were closed, said new evangelical churches are disproportionately affected and argued the government is “regulating what it doesn’t understand”.
Some link the crackdown to Rwanda’s history. Academic Ismael Buchanan noted churches could act as recruitment conduits for genocidal militias, while also acknowledging faith’s role in healing. He questioned the need for excessive churches over schools or hospitals.