Rwanda Wins Praise Across Africa for Taxing Tithes and Shutting Down Churches
Several Africans have praised Rwanda for considering taxing church offerings and tithes as a measure to curb exploitation by self-proclaimed pastors and prophets.
As of this report, the Rwandan government had already closed down 8,000 churches for failing to meet infrastructure standards and legal requirements.
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Rwanda to Conduct Nationwide Church Inspections
According to a statement from the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), inspections will be conducted at churches across the country. These inspections are intended to ensure that pastors and prophets possess the necessary academic qualifications and that churches are properly registered. Non-compliant churches will be closed.
Here is the full statement from the RGB:
The Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), in collaboration with other relevant government agencies, is conducting an inspection to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations.
The inspection focuses on verifying that denominations and prayer houses have registration documents issued by RGB, letters of collaboration with the district when a branch is opened, and that prayer houses meet legal requirements (building codes) for their location. It also checks if the leaders hold the required academic degrees and certificates in Theology at both the organizational and parish/branch levels.
Where this inspection finds that certain FBOs are not complying with the legal requirements and regulations governing faith-based organizations, they will be closed.
Relevant authorities will continue to collaborate with religious leaders to promote transformational development while adhering to the laws and regulations governing faith-based organizations and ensuring that prayer houses/buildings meet legal standards.
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Rwanda Wins Praise Across Africa for Taxing Tithes and Shutting Down Churches
After the statement was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @AfricaFactsZon, Africans applauded the Rwandan government for seeking to protect its citizens against hustler prophets. This move has been praised by many Africans, who have observed how some pastors and prophets have amassed great wealth at the expense of vulnerable believers. Here are some of the reactions:
@kwachiffu:
This churches should be taxed . Just look around and see in Kenya ,Nigeria ,south Africa and Uganda apart from business men and politicians the richest people are the men of the cloth. Now religion is being used to swindle cash from believers in Africa which is wrong
@ministerTP__:
I like that, they should also deal with fake Nigerian Fake Pastors 😭
@JackM_Theegreat:
A good move, churches have been used by politicians to squander proceeds of corruption in the name of donations.
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