Rwanda's President Calls Evangelical Churches "Den of Bandits"
Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended his government's forced closure of over 10,000 churches, calling Evangelical institutions a "den of bandits" led by deceptive relics of colonialism.
Kagame made the remarks while defending a 2018 law regulating churches that requires preachers to undergo theological training and mandates all churches meet health, safety, and financial reporting standards. The law also requires religious buildings be soundproofed and that annual action plans align with national values.
"In all the development challenges we are dealing with, the wars, our country's survival, what is the role of these churches," Kagame stated at a December news briefing. "Are they also providing jobs? Many are just thieving."
Grace Room Ministries, an Evangelical church drawing massive crowds to Kigali's BK Arena three times weekly, was closed in May for failing to provide required documentation. Authorities said it engaged in unauthorized Evangelical activities and failed to submit annual financial and activity reports.
President Kagame said he would not reopen even a single church if the decision were his, questioning the relevance of such institutions to Rwanda's survival. The government requires all church donations go through registered accounts and that each church submit annual plans showing alignment with national values.
Pastor Sam Rugira, whose two church branches were shut down last year over fire safety violations, said the government was "regulating what it doesn't understand" and should help churches meet requirements instead of shutting them down. Some churches that fulfilled all government conditions remain closed.
A pastor in Kigali stated the president's "open disdain and disgust" for churches "spells tough times ahead." Political analyst Louis Gitinywa told AFP the ruling party resists any organization that amasses public influence.
Muslim leaders in Rwanda have also raised concerns, particularly over bans on the public call to prayer. While Article 37 of the Rwandan Constitution provides for freedom of religion, enforcement of the 2018 law has varied.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Kagame asked what role churches play in Rwanda's survival. As if worship exists to serve government priorities. As if faith should justify itself through economic productivity.
"Are they providing jobs? Many are just thieving."
This is how authoritarian governments always start. Regulation. Safety standards. Financial reporting requirements. National values alignment. All reasonable sounding until you realize the goal is control.
Churches that fulfilled every requirement remain closed. Because this isn't about compliance. It's about crushing institutions that exist independent of state authority.
Grace Room Ministries filled an arena three times weekly. That's influence. That's people gathering around something other than government.
One pastor warned the president's "open disdain and disgust" for churches "spells tough times ahead." Tough times are already here. Ten thousand churches closed is not regulatory oversight. It's persecution with bureaucratic cover.
Political analysts admit the ruling party resists any organization with public influence. Churches represent alternative authority. Alternative community. Alternative truth claims. Government cannot tolerate that.
Rwanda's constitution guarantees religious freedom. Means nothing when enforcement is arbitrary and selective.
This is the pattern. China. Iran. Now Rwanda. Different methods, same goal. Control the church or eliminate it.
TAKE ACTION
International Christian Concern: Website: https://www.persecution.org/countries/rwanda Phone: +1 (800) 422-5441 Direct advocacy for persecuted Rwandan churches
Contact Your Representatives: Demand they pressure Rwandan government on religious freedom violations and arbitrary church closures
Open Doors: Website: https://www.opendoorsusa.org Support for Christians facing government persecution globally
Pray for Rwanda: For Christians facing government hostility. For pastors navigating impossible regulations. For churches closed despite meeting all requirements.
