03:01Rwandans have commented on the closure of almost 10,000 places of worship in the past two month for failing to meet safety and hygiene standards and for lacking qualified sacred leaders.
The crackdown which started in July comes as part of country's attempts to protect the citizens from church corruption and fraud and to ensure that their buildings meet certain standards.
A total of 43 religious organisations across the country have been banned as part of the government's tightening of regulations. As a result, 10,000 of the more than 14,000 religious institutions have been closed, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the country's religious facilities.
However, the 'faith-based organisations' that have been closed during the crackdown can be reopened if the revealed violations are fixed, according to Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
Some of the locals believe the move is the right measure because "churches were becoming chaotic, with people defying church leadership" said local resident Munyaneza, adding that the move prompted some of the believers to 'leave and start their congregations.'
Another resident, Shyaka Nkurunziza, claimed that churches were often used not only for worship, but also for "weddings, bars, or restaurants, all in the same space," which 'is not at all appropriate.'
However, this mass closure of religious institutions had a strong impact on the lives of the residents. "It feels isolating, and we lose track of the days because we no longer prepare for Sundays," Rosette Nyiransabimana commented.
Some locals admit to finding a variety of ways to pray, although they are not always cost-effective. "We currently pray using technology, connecting via phones to pray. It's costly, but we have no other option," said Muhizi, a local from Karenge village.
A law to regulate religious organisations passed in 2018 requires religious leaders to have theological education before opening a church, and mandates security checks on buildings housing churches, also requiring them to be soundproof.
According to 2022 data, 21 per cent of Rwanda's 14 million citizens belong to the Pentecostal Church, while 40 per cent remain faithful to the Roman Catholic Church.
'Used for weddings, bars, or restaurants' - Rwandans react to closure of thousands of places of worship in safety crackdown
Rwandans have commented on the closure of almost 10,000 places of worship in the past two month for failing to meet safety and hygiene standards and for lacking qualified sacred leaders.
The crackdown which started in July comes as part of country's attempts to protect the citizens from church corruption and fraud and to ensure that their buildings meet certain standards.
A total of 43 religious organisations across the country have been banned as part of the government's tightening of regulations. As a result, 10,000 of the more than 14,000 religious institutions have been closed, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the country's religious facilities.
However, the 'faith-based organisations' that have been closed during the crackdown can be reopened if the revealed violations are fixed, according to Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
Some of the locals believe the move is the right measure because "churches were becoming chaotic, with people defying church leadership" said local resident Munyaneza, adding that the move prompted some of the believers to 'leave and start their congregations.'
Another resident, Shyaka Nkurunziza, claimed that churches were often used not only for worship, but also for "weddings, bars, or restaurants, all in the same space," which 'is not at all appropriate.'
However, this mass closure of religious institutions had a strong impact on the lives of the residents. "It feels isolating, and we lose track of the days because we no longer prepare for Sundays," Rosette Nyiransabimana commented.
Some locals admit to finding a variety of ways to pray, although they are not always cost-effective. "We currently pray using technology, connecting via phones to pray. It's costly, but we have no other option," said Muhizi, a local from Karenge village.
A law to regulate religious organisations passed in 2018 requires religious leaders to have theological education before opening a church, and mandates security checks on buildings housing churches, also requiring them to be soundproof.
According to 2022 data, 21 per cent of Rwanda's 14 million citizens belong to the Pentecostal Church, while 40 per cent remain faithful to the Roman Catholic Church.
Rwandans have commented on the closure of almost 10,000 places of worship in the past two month for failing to meet safety and hygiene standards and for lacking qualified sacred leaders.
The crackdown which started in July comes as part of country's attempts to protect the citizens from church corruption and fraud and to ensure that their buildings meet certain standards.
A total of 43 religious organisations across the country have been banned as part of the government's tightening of regulations. As a result, 10,000 of the more than 14,000 religious institutions have been closed, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the country's religious facilities.
However, the 'faith-based organisations' that have been closed during the crackdown can be reopened if the revealed violations are fixed, according to Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
Some of the locals believe the move is the right measure because "churches were becoming chaotic, with people defying church leadership" said local resident Munyaneza, adding that the move prompted some of the believers to 'leave and start their congregations.'
Another resident, Shyaka Nkurunziza, claimed that churches were often used not only for worship, but also for "weddings, bars, or restaurants, all in the same space," which 'is not at all appropriate.'
However, this mass closure of religious institutions had a strong impact on the lives of the residents. "It feels isolating, and we lose track of the days because we no longer prepare for Sundays," Rosette Nyiransabimana commented.
Some locals admit to finding a variety of ways to pray, although they are not always cost-effective. "We currently pray using technology, connecting via phones to pray. It's costly, but we have no other option," said Muhizi, a local from Karenge village.
A law to regulate religious organisations passed in 2018 requires religious leaders to have theological education before opening a church, and mandates security checks on buildings housing churches, also requiring them to be soundproof.
According to 2022 data, 21 per cent of Rwanda's 14 million citizens belong to the Pentecostal Church, while 40 per cent remain faithful to the Roman Catholic Church.