Rwanda closes churches over noise pollution

About 700 churches have been closed down in Rwanda for failing to comply with building regulations and for noise pollution.

Most of them are small Pentecostal churches. One mosque was also closed.

A government official said that some of the more than 700 buildings shut down have already reopened after they were approved by inspectors.

According to a proposed new law, all preachers must have theological training before opening a church.

Pentecostal churches, often run by charismatic preachers claiming to be able to perform miracles, have grown rapidly in many parts of Africa in recent years.

Some are massive, attracting thousands of worshippers each Sunday, but others consist of tiny structures built without planning permission.

Church leaders have at times been criticised for using loud public address systems to attract worshippers

Government official Justus Kangwagye said that they simply required the churches to meet "modest standards".

Some church premises exposed worshippers to unnecessary risks and could "cause danger to those worshipping," Mr Kangwagye told the Rwandan New Times newspaper.

Source: BBC