The Government has once again defended the widespread closure of churches, saying that the decision did not infringe on freedom of worship, but addressed an alarming increase in churches not adhering to basic hygienic standards.

The closure of over 700 churches, which began in February, also stemmed from troubling behavior exhibited by “unscrupulous individuals masquerading as religious leaders,” according to a recent statement by the government.

Fake preachers

Although the right to religious worship is guaranteed by the Constitution, the government believed that an unchecked rise in religious bodies could lead to safety hazards and fake preachers.

“Fake preachers have, among other abuses, defrauded innocent followers, broadcast insults against women and other religions, and forced followers to fast to the point of death,” said the government.

In Kigali alone, almost 2,000 prayer houses were in operation before the closure, with up to ten churches in some villages. As many as 1,381 pentecostal churches were forced to close, while 26 catholic churches and 50 Seventh Day Adventist churches were also affected.

The government said 15 per cent of the mosques in the country were closed. Only about 300 of the prayer houses were allowed to reopen after adopting the required standards.

Some of the measures they adopted included providing car parking space, installing soundproof windows and adhering to hygiene standards.

Parliament is set to pass a new law that mandates preachers to obtain theology qualifications and faith-based organisations to operate with a licence.