In a letter seen by IGIHE, addressed to district leaders on August 22, 2024, and signed by the Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, the ministry ordered the suspension of more than 40 religious organizations listed in the annex of the letter.
The decision was based on a letter from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and ongoing inspections of religious denominations, which revealed that some should be halted.
The letter states, "I am writing to request the suspension of the organizations and activities listed in the annex of this letter, as well as any other organizations operating illegally across the country."
The annex includes well-known religious denominations in Rwanda, such as the Lutheran Church in Africa, which operated in various provinces, particularly in the Eastern Province.
Other organizations listed include Philadelphia Church, Umugeni wa Kristo, Abagorozi, Abakusi, Abanywagake, Abarokore, Abavandimwe Church, Agape Sanctuary, Assemblies of Lord, Bethel Miracle Church, Intumwa n'Abahanuzi, Isoko Ibohora, Ivugurura n'Ubugorozi, Redeemed Baptist Church, Salvation Church, and others.
This action follows the recent suspension of other churches in Rwanda, including Umuriro wa Pentekote and Ebenezer Rwanda, for allegedly spreading divisive messages among Rwandans.
Additionally, RGB, in collaboration with local authorities, had previously conducted inspections that led to the temporary closure of nearly 8,000 churches for failing to meet required standards.
Celestin Seburikoko, the head of the Lutheran Church in Africa's Rwanda branch, confirmed the suspension to IGIHE. He acknowledged that they were aware of the requirement to be officially registered and that they had already initiated the process, although they had not yet received legal status.
"This does not surprise me because I know that every organization or activity in the country must be recognized, and we had complied with all requirements. We applied for the necessary documents, but there were some corrections requested, which I had prepared but had not yet submitted [to RGB]."
Seburikoko also mentioned that he intends to inquire whether they can continue the registration process or if they are permanently shut down, as they had been granted a temporary permit that has now expired.
The Lutheran Church in Africa started operating in Rwanda in 2015 and has 2,037 congregants across the country.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-suspends-over-40-religious-denominations
