Rwanda Shuts Over 10,000 Evangelical Churches for Failing to Meet Regulations

The Rwandan government has shut down more than 10,000 evangelical churches across the country for failing to comply with a 2018 law regulating places of worship.

The legislation introduced stricter requirements on health and safety standards, financial transparency and governance, and also mandates that preachers undergo formal theological training before leading congregations.

President Paul Kagame has repeatedly criticised the rapid spread of evangelical churches in the East African nation, accusing many of exploiting worshippers rather than contributing to national development.

“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t even reopen a single church,” Kagame said during a news briefing last month.

“In all the development challenges we are dealing with, the wars, our country’s survival, what is the role of these churches? Are they also providing jobs? Many are just thieving; some churches are just a den of bandits,” he added.

According to Rwanda’s 2024 census, the majority of the population identifies as Christian. However, the widespread closures have forced many worshippers to travel long and often costly distances to find approved places of worship.

Under the 2018 law, churches are also required to submit annual action plans outlining how their activities align with national values, while all donations must be processed through registered bank accounts.

The closures have sparked debate within the country, balancing the government’s push for regulation and accountability against concerns over access to religious worship.