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Rwanda

  • Thousands of Churches Face Closures
    President Kagame is standing at a podium.
    Rwandan President Paul Kagame
    Photo: World Travel & Tourism Council (cc)

    In 2018, the Rwandan government introduced legislation requiring churches to comply with new regulations. At the time, more than 7,000 churches were closed due to alleged health, safety and noise issues. Other restrictions banned pastors from encouraging long fasts, mandated increased financial disclosure, and required church leaders to hold a degree in theology. While thousands of churches were closed at the time, other congregations were given five years to comply with the demands.