Authorities shut down non-compliant churches

The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) last week shut down 185 churches in a nationwide operation to weed out churches and other faith-based institutions that don't meet standards. All the churches were in the Musanze District, in the Northern Province. Institutions to be closed have inadequate infrastructure, poor hygiene, safety standards, do not meet noise requirements, or have unqualified preachers, said the RGB's head of communication, Jean Bosco Rushingabigwi, in response to inquiries from News24. ‘The inspection focuses on verifying that denominations and prayer houses have registration documents issued by the RGB, letters of collaboration with the district when a branch is opened, and that prayer houses meet legal requirements (building codes) for their location. We also check if the leaders hold the required academic degrees and certificates in theology at both the organisational and parish or branch levels,’ he said. The inspections by the RBG also involve the police, health departments and public works units.