His remarks, which questioned the role of churches in society, have sparked concern among Christian communities and renewed debate about the government’s ongoing restrictions on religious practice.
During the discussion, Kagame downplayed the importance of church buildings, claiming that many places of worship are “full of wrongdoers” and that Rwandans should focus more on productive work than attending services.
During the discussion, Kagame downplayed the importance of church buildings, claiming that many places of worship are “full of wrongdoers” and that Rwandans should focus more on productive work than attending services.
He went further to suggest that people could “go farm and pray on your phones” instead of gathering in large numbers for worship. His message appeared to imply that modern technology should replace traditional religious spaces.
The comments touched a nerve because they come after several years of tension between the government and religious groups.
The comments touched a nerve because they come after several years of tension between the government and religious groups.
Thousands of churches have been shut down across the country, often following strict and costly building regulation inspections.
Some churches report spending large sums of money to improve their structures, only for the government to keep them closed without clear explanations.
Church leaders say that even when congregations follow all the requirements, reopening is not guaranteed.
Church leaders say that even when congregations follow all the requirements, reopening is not guaranteed.
Many believers feel the closures are unfair and targeted, leaving them without places to worship and without answers from authorities.
Supporters of Kagame, however, argue that his message is being misunderstood. They claim that religion in Africa has long been manipulated by external influences, especially during the colonial era.
Supporters of Kagame, however, argue that his message is being misunderstood. They claim that religion in Africa has long been manipulated by external influences, especially during the colonial era.
According to these supporters, Kagame is encouraging citizens to balance their faith with practical responsibilities such as agriculture, business, and community development.
They believe his push for “praying on your phones” is simply a call to modernize and avoid relying too heavily on church institutions.
But critics strongly disagree.
Human-rights defenders and religious freedom activists warn that the president’s remarks could justify further crackdowns on churches.
But critics strongly disagree.
Human-rights defenders and religious freedom activists warn that the president’s remarks could justify further crackdowns on churches.
They argue that mocking believers and minimizing their need for communal worship undermines a basic human right—the freedom to practice one’s faith openly and without intimidation.
Religious leaders have expressed fear that Kagame’s tone signals a government unwilling to respect spiritual diversity.
Religious leaders have expressed fear that Kagame’s tone signals a government unwilling to respect spiritual diversity.
Many warn that a country cannot force citizens to change how they worship simply because leaders believe religion slows development.
They insist that faith communities have historically played major roles in healing, educating, and supporting Rwandans, especially during difficult national moments.
International observers are now keeping a close eye on Rwanda, concerned that the ongoing closures and harsh rhetoric could lead to deeper restrictions.
International observers are now keeping a close eye on Rwanda, concerned that the ongoing closures and harsh rhetoric could lead to deeper restrictions.
Organizations that monitor global freedom of religion say that once a government begins deciding when, where, or how people can pray, the future of religious rights becomes uncertain.
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