Cardinal Kambanda says Christmas finds the Catholic Church in Rwanda facing major challenges
The Archbishop of Kigali, Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, has told Christians that this year’s Christmas finds the Catholic Church in Rwanda facing many serious challenges, including the closure of numerous churches by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) for failing to meet legal requirements.
Speaking during his Christmas message, Cardinal Kambanda reflected on the birth of Jesus Christ and questioned the spiritual state in which Christ finds the Church and believers today.
“The Word who was born for all people was also born for us here in Rwanda. But how does He find us? He finds us with a thirst to know God, but also facing serious challenges that hinder our faith. He finds us in the darkness of our night, in the sins of the world,” Cardinal Kambanda said.
He lamented that many churches,parishes, chapels, and sub-parishes,remain closed, and warned against a form of worldly development that seeks to replace God. He also criticized the lack of respect for Sundays, prayer, and the sacraments among some believers.
Cardinal Kambanda added that Christ finds a world where unrestricted rights are promoted without moral foundations, where error and what is considered taboo are sometimes glorified. He noted that believers are increasingly ridiculed for their faith, and that devotion to the Virgin Mary and her guidance is often disregarded, despite her central role in God’s plan of salvation.
Using the imagery of light and darkness, the Cardinal emphasized the essential role of God in human life.
“A person in darkness needs light to see where they are and where they are going. Just as the eye needs light to see, the human mind needs God to understand where it comes from and where it is going,” he said.
He stressed that those who seek God without faith, relying only on human reason, often misunderstand Him. Comparing humanity to the moon, he said that just as the moon cannot shine without the sun, human beings cannot possess true light unless it comes from God.
According to Cardinal Kambanda, Jesus Christ is that true light,he Word of God made flesh. He warned against modern ideologies that deny God’s existence and claim that human beings only need material support and development to thrive.
Referring to the Wise Men who visited Jesus at His birth, the Cardinal said they set an example of placing Christ at the center of life.
“A person cannot reach the happiness they are destined for without God,” he said.
He also appealed to authorities to take action so that churches which meet the required standards but remain closed can be reopened, allowing believers to worship together.
Cardinal Kambanda emphasized that prayer is essential for Christians, reminding them that human beings were not created for earthly life alone, but for eternal life.
Meanwhile, on November 19, 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Governance Board, Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, informed both chambers of Parliament that 9,171 churches and mosques remain closed for failing to comply with legal requirements. However, she said some could reopen once they meet the necessary conditions.
She explained that over the past year, RGB conducted a special inspection of faith-based organizations, including churches and mosques, to assess compliance with laws and governance standards. The inspection revealed several issues, such as misleading teachings, fraud aimed at exploiting believers, lack of transparency, poor financial management, leadership conflicts, and buildings that do not meet legal construction standards.
As a result of these findings, 21 faith-based organizations lost their legal status for various reasons. Out of 13,770 religious buildings inspected, 9,171 were closed due to non-compliance with the law.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between religious institutions and regulatory authorities, even as church leaders call for renewed faith, prayer, and dialogue during the Christmas season.
