Friends, there's a concerted effort in Rwanda to keep over 8,000 churches closed, often for very minor reasons. The effect, however, is anything but minor.
With the aim of ensuring that there is no return to the genocide of the 1990's, the president has used the heavy hand of the government to suppress freedom of association, assembly and religion. As a result, the government's word is law, and no one can realistically challenge it. Six pastors who objected to the church closures were incarcerated for "masterminding" a ploy to disobey the order.
World Watch Monitor reported the closure of the churches in 2018, under a proposed law that required churches and mosques to meet requirements in terms of safety, hygiene, infrastructure and legality.
Examples of the ever-expanding requirements include: church walls must be soundproofed; church access roads and compounds must be paved; church buildings must install a specific kind of canvas ceiling (even though it is a fire hazard); all pastors must have a theological degree from an institution that also teaches science and technology; any church that wants to register needs to prove membership of 1,000 people; and many more. "On checking which churches were included, we learned that all churches are suffering the same fate, and that even churches considered luxurious for local standards have had to close," a local analyst, who wished to remain anonymous, told World Watch Monitor.
Father, Your people in Rwanda long to gather in the churches they have sacrificed to build. Intervene in this effort to keep them apart, and let them come together in peace, strength and faith once more.
Thanks so much for praying, Yah bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
With the aim of ensuring that there is no return to the genocide of the 1990's, the president has used the heavy hand of the government to suppress freedom of association, assembly and religion. As a result, the government's word is law, and no one can realistically challenge it. Six pastors who objected to the church closures were incarcerated for "masterminding" a ploy to disobey the order.
World Watch Monitor reported the closure of the churches in 2018, under a proposed law that required churches and mosques to meet requirements in terms of safety, hygiene, infrastructure and legality.
Examples of the ever-expanding requirements include: church walls must be soundproofed; church access roads and compounds must be paved; church buildings must install a specific kind of canvas ceiling (even though it is a fire hazard); all pastors must have a theological degree from an institution that also teaches science and technology; any church that wants to register needs to prove membership of 1,000 people; and many more. "On checking which churches were included, we learned that all churches are suffering the same fate, and that even churches considered luxurious for local standards have had to close," a local analyst, who wished to remain anonymous, told World Watch Monitor.
Father, Your people in Rwanda long to gather in the churches they have sacrificed to build. Intervene in this effort to keep them apart, and let them come together in peace, strength and faith once more.
Thanks so much for praying, Yah bless you. Taken from Open Doors USA text alert.
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