Rwanda closes 700 churches over noise pollution, illegal structures
The Rwandan government has closed no fewer than 700 churches for failing to comply with noise pollution regulations, BBC gathers.
The places of worship, mostly small Pentecostal churches, were said to have also erred in building regulations in the country.
A proposed new law in the African country states that all preachers must have theological training before opening a church.
The country’s government is aiming to curb the rapid rate at which Pentecostal churches with charismatic pastors are springing up.
Some are said to have built tiny structures without planning permission.
A top government official told the Rwandan New Times newspaper that some church premises exposed worshippers to unnecessary risks and could “cause danger to those worshipping.”
Some of the churches are said to have started reopening for worship after being cleared by officials.
Many new churches in Africa have been attracting thousands of worshippers, particularly those with pastors who claim to perform miracles.
