Luanda,  July 1, 2025 (Lusa) - The National Institute for Religious Affairs (INAR) of Angola announced on Tuesday the definitive closure of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Spirit of Truth (Igreja BIMA) for alleged money laundering and illicit financial transactions.

INAR stated that the decision stems from a thorough administrative process, driven by practices it considers essential for safeguarding public order and human dignity, as well as for upholding regulations on money laundering and the illicit transfer of funds abroad.

The Institute also stated in a release today that the religious denomination is involved in schemes to facilitate the acquisition of Angolan citizenship documents for foreign citizens from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The statement said that the Attorney General’s Office has received the evidence, and the case is currently pending.

The Angolan Ministry of Culture oversees the public institution, and the institution emphasised its commitment to minimising the impact of this measure on the faithful and involved communities, noting that this “was the only institutional and legally appropriate way to respond to repeated and serious incidents.”

INAR also calls for calm, understanding and cooperation from members of the religious denomination, encouraging them to join legally recognised religious communities whose conduct is in line with the values of the Constitution, national culture and human rights.

The body that oversees and controls the activities of churches in Angola also reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to defending religious freedom as a fundamental right.

DAS/ADB // ADB.

Lusa