“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” —Galatians 6:7 (NLT)
The recent closure of Grace Room Ministries by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) raises important questions about religious freedom, state regulation, and the ethical responsibilities of both religious institutions and government agencies. A thoughtful assessment demands a balanced examination through theological, legal, and ethical lenses.
1. Theological Failures Within the Ministry
Even when legally registered, a church may fail theologically and compromise its witness:
- Exalting Experience Over Scripture: When spiritual phenomena are emphasized over sound doctrine, confusion replaces truth.
“Preach the word… with great patience and careful instruction.” —2 Timothy 4:2 - Disorder in Worship or Operations: God values spiritual order, not chaotic displays.
“Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” —1 Corinthians 14:40 - Leadership Driven by Control or Profit: Exploiting the flock through emotional manipulation or hidden financial motives discredits ministry.
“Be shepherds…not pursuing dishonest gain but eager to serve.” —1 Peter 5:2–3 - Allowing False Teachings or Prophetic Abuse: Ministries must evaluate spiritual manifestations through Scripture.
“Test the spirits…because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” —1 John 4:1
2. What the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) Failed
While the RGB has legal authority to regulate religious organizations, its procedures must reflect transparency, proportionality, and justice. In this case, the RGB appears to have failed in the following areas:
- Lack of Public Communication and Due Process:
There was no clear or public record indicating that Grace Room Ministries had received formal warnings, a compliance report, or a timeline to address alleged concerns prior to its closure.
“The first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” —Proverbs 18:17 - No Clear Justification of Legal Grounds:
The public was not informed of the specific legal or administrative violations, nor the biblical or ethical implications justifying such a strong punitive action. - Overstepping Spiritual Boundaries:
If the RGB based its decision on theological concerns—such as style of worship, prophetic messages, or spiritual experiences—this may overstep its mandate. Discerning spiritual legitimacy is a matter of biblical accountability, not government control.
“Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” —Mark 12:17 - Failure to Encourage Restoration First:
The biblical model is to correct, guide, and restore before punishment. Governmental authority should mirror this principle in regulating religious institutions.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault… you have won them over.” —Matthew 18:15
3. The Biblical Role of Government
- Governments Are God’s Servants for Order:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities…” —Romans 13:1 - Punishment Must Be Just and Transparent:
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” —Proverbs 31:9
Governments have the God-given responsibility to maintain order, but they are also accountable before God for fairness, restraint, and justice.
4. Balancing Secular and Spiritual Authority
There are God-ordained boundaries between the state and the church:
- “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” —Mark 12:17
- “We must obey God rather than men.” —Acts 5:29
(Applicable only when human laws directly contradict God’s commands.)
RGB may regulate administrative and legal issues, but it must not determine what is or is not theologically valid. The Church answers to God in matters of faith and doctrine.
5. A Call for Repentance, Restoration, and Wisdom
Both the Church and the State must seek humility, reflection, and correction where needed:
- “If my people… will humble themselves… I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” —2 Chronicles 7:14
- “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” —Matthew 5:9
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
Grace Room Ministries may have failed to uphold theological accountability, while the Rwanda Governance Board may have failed in ensuring transparency, proportionality, and grace in its regulation. This moment should not merely be seen as punishment, but as a national opportunity to strengthen the integrity of worship and the fairness of state governance.
Let Rwanda be a place where faith and freedom, order and grace, truth and justice walk together—guided by wisdom from above and accountability on earth.
Rev Sereine
