Recently, RGB, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted inspections to assess whether churches meet the required standards.
During an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, the CEO of RGB, explained that in nearly two weeks of inspection, more than 13,000 churches were visited to verify their compliance.
Dr. Kaitesi revealed that some closed churches lacked minor requirements that could be quickly addressed, while others required significant adjustments.
Additionally, there were churches operating without proper authorization, with individuals or groups having opened places of worship and erected signs without the necessary permits.
Despite the large number of churches in Rwanda, Dr. Kaitesi emphasized that the issue is not the quantity but whether they meet the required standards.
"The problem is not the large number of churches. The issue is whether this number aligns with our desired standards. Are the churches built according to legal requirements? Do the leaders of these congregations have the qualifications mandated by law? These are the questions we should focus on," she said.
The inspections aimed to ensure the safety of Rwandans attending these places of worship rather than indiscriminately closing churches.
Dr. Kaitesi highlighted that instead of having multiple non-compliant churches, it would be better to build a single, large, compliant church that accommodates all followers in a safe environment, led by qualified leaders.
Addressing claims that the closures were sudden, Dr. Kaitesi clarified that inspections and assessments of churches are conducted annually, and churches were forewarned.
"This is part of our mandate. At RGB, we have a department responsible for faith-based organizations and other registered entities. This department is divided into registration and operational monitoring and inspection. We have always conducted inspections," she stated.
In 2018, a similar inspection resulted in the closure of over 7,000 churches for non-compliance, with a five-year grace period granted for rectifying deficiencies.
"The five-year period ended in September last year, and in December 2023, we called them to review their status and submit staff qualifications and operational plans. Some did not have strategic plans, so we asked them to improve and provide that information," Dr. Kaitesi explained.
In May 2024, RGB again wrote to religious organizations requesting information about their church locations, leadership, and educational qualifications.
According to RGB, some organizations were given time to meet the requirements and allowed to resume operations. However, monitoring and engaging religious leaders to address issues identified during inspections continued.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/nearly-8-000-churches-closed-in-rwanda
