President Paul Kagame addressed the recent closure of churches across Rwanda during a Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF). The event, held to celebrate peaceful elections, included government officials, religious leaders, and private sector representatives. Kagame explained that the crackdown on churches that fail to meet requirements was necessary, as many were misleading Rwandans and exploiting them financially.
“Thanksgiving cannot be an end in itself,” Kagame said, emphasizing the need for people to self-reflect and act truthfully. He noted that while it is important to be thankful, there must be authenticity behind it.
Kagame expressed frustration with churches that had turned into business ventures, misleading citizens with promises of miracles and prosperity while taking their resources. He confirmed that over 10,000 churches had been closed for non-compliance and criticized critics of the move, reiterating that the government will not back down.
The president attributed the issue to several factors, including how easily churches were allowed to open and how Rwandans, both literate and illiterate, were misled. He also criticized religious leaders who claim to have special powers from God, asking, “Are we really equal before God? Why are there those who tell us, ‘I heard a voice from God,’ yet they mislead others?”
Kagame dismissed claims that the government was attacking religion and urged religious leaders to focus on genuine service to God. He emphasized the need for Rwandans to use their God-given brains and not accept everything they are told blindly.
“We have been abused enough, we don’t want to be abused ever again,” Kagame said, calling for common sense and reason in both religious practices and societal actions.
President Kagame Addresses Church Closures in Rwanda
