Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
3 June 2009
Kigali — Religious leaders from different denominations have protested at certain clauses in the Religious Bill saying they are an upfront to religious freedom.
In a letter presented to the Local government minister, the prelates led by Bishop Emmanuel Koline of the Anglican Church last week said that the bill is putting churches in the category of NGOs and associations yet they differ from the two.
"Articles; 21, 32, 36 make it difficult to start a religious organization and their proper functioning, they said in remarks published by the Times, "the bill articulates that for someone to start a church, one must have at least 100 associates to sign in your statute while he/she must be a graduate."
While arguing that starting a church does not require someone to be academically upright but integrity, the leaders accused the state of handling churches like NGOs.
"Actually, I think if this law is passed, it is likely to cause tension," said bishop Koline.
The Bill on the organization and operation of religious denominations tabled before parliament on April 16, 2009 wants the government to regulate the activities of the country's religious organizations including regular auditing of their finances.
"The bills set out procedures for creating such organizations or religious denominations, requirements, and rights and obligations owed to them in their daily activities," said a government report on the website of Rwanda's parliament.
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