The Rwandan Governance Board has made a major move by shutting down over 8,000 churches and mosques across the country. This action follows the enforcement of a 2018 law that imposed strict regulations on religious institutions. Under the new law, places of worship must be soundproofed, and religious leaders are now required to hold a degree in theology, among other requirements.
This crackdown follows concerns voiced by President Paul Kagame about the growing number of religious institutions in Rwanda. He argued that the country had too many places of worship, which led to the introduction of these regulations.
The Rwandan Governance Board has shut down over 8,000 churches and mosques in the country following the passing of a 2018 law that requires religious buildings to be efficiently soundproofed and leaders to possess a degree in theology, among other requirements.
This comes after… pic.twitter.com/HzQZiB8rYX
— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) August 14, 2024
The closures have triggered a mix of responses. Some view the government’s actions as a necessary step to regulate religious practices, while others see it as an infringement on religious freedom.
In Ghana, a different controversy has emerged involving Rev. Fr. Peter Kusi Twumasi, the acting Rector of St. Stephen Rectorate in Bodomase. Fr. Twumasi recently apologized after a video surfaced of him performing a secular song during a church service. The video, which showed him leading the congregation in singing and dancing to “Aseda” by King Paluta, generated a variety of reactions online.
While some defended the performance due to the song’s uplifting lyrics, others criticized it for being inappropriate in a religious setting.
King Paluta’s popular track “Aseda” is making waves everywhere, as the Catholic priest of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Kumawu-Abodomase and the congregation enthusiastically sing along, word for word. pic.twitter.com/lSZVVsi3Gn
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) August 12, 2024
On August 13, 2024, Fr. Twumasi issued a public apology to Rev. Fr. Bernard Antwi-Bosiako, the Representative of the National Liturgical Commission. He admitted to letting secular influences enter a sacred space and expressed regret for any offense caused.
Fr. Twumasi stated, “I realize now that my actions have caused confusion and offense, and I am truly sorry. I apologize to our Bishop, the Diocese, the National Liturgical Commission, and the entire Catholic community.”
He emphasized that he never intended to disrespect the Church’s traditions and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the Church.
