Regulating the Sacred? A Critical Examination of Faith-Based Organization Registration in Rwanda: Between Religious Freedom and State Control

Abstract

This article critically examines the Rwandan government's regulation of faith-based organizations (FBOs), interrogating the balance between ensuring public accountability and upholding religious freedom. It analyzes Rwanda's legal and administrative criteria for registering churches and other FBOs, including strict requirements for infrastructure and clergy qualifications. The study employs doctrinal legal analysis and comparative public policy review, drawing on legal texts, academic commentary, and international case studies. Findings reveal that Rwanda's Law Nº72/2018 and subsequent regulations impose stringent structural standards (e.g. building safety codes, financial disclosures) and academic qualifications (theology degrees or equivalent) on religious organizations. While intended to curb fraud and protect the public, these measures raise theological and ethical concerns by prioritizing formal compliance over spiritual authenticity and doctrinal integrity. Comparatively, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa have grappled with regulating proliferating religious groups, but Rwanda's approach stands out for its enforcement intensity and scope. The compatibility of Rwanda's framework with its constitutional guarantee of religious freedom is debated, highlighting a tension between state control and religious autonomy. We conclude with policy and theological recommendations aimed at respecting faith community autonomy while ensuring public safety and accountability.