Religious leaders in Murang’a want churches to continue being self-regulated

Murang’a, Thursday, July 13,

KNA by Anita Omwenga

A section of religious leaders in Murang’a County wants churches and other religious institutions to continue being self-regulated within the already existing associations and umbrella bodies.

In a memorandum presented to the presidential task force committee reviewing legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious organizations in Kenya, the clergy appealed that religious activities should be governed by independent bodies and not directly influenced by the national government in order to preserve the sanctity of religion.

They said that organizations such as the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) among others have been at the forefront of regulating religious activities in the country.

Speaking at Technology primary school in Murang’a town, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya Pastor James Wachira said that churches are already being regulated under the Societies Act and have been doing well in terms of offering religious teachings which bring people closer to God and changing people’s mindset for socio-economic development.

 “Churches and religious institutions play an important role in terms of raising a spiritual nation,” said Wachira, adding the government should strengthen the umbrella bodies to help in regulating churches and religious institutions.

The religious leaders regretted the unfortunate case of religious extremism that has been witnessed in Shakahola forest saying that action need to be taken by the government to stop criminal elements that had infiltrated religious space.

“We continue to follow with horror the exhumation of bodies in Shakahola forest,” he said, adding that this incident has awakened the need to regulate churches, with the taskforce committee reviewing legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious organizations in Kenya collecting views in Murang’a.

While making his submissions, Kenya National Congress of Pentecostal Churches Director George Gakuru recommended the formation of an independent professional body for all religious leaders that is not influenced by the national government.

“We should have one professional body just like the one lawyers have for example, where all the clergy leaders are registere so that they are under the direct supervision of the body to enhance credibility,” said Gakuru adding that if any member misbehaves the governing body can take action.

Mt Kenya Central ACK Diocese Representative Bishop Edwin Mwangi said that civic education should be undertaken for church members in order to establish that the teachings in churches did not undermining their rights to education, respect of human rights, and their right to life.

“There is a need to educate our people on how to identify fake and genuine religious teachings to avoid falling victim to brainwashing and cultism,” said Mwangi adding this would enable people to make informed decisions since people have freedom of worship where one is at liberty to join any religion or denomination of choice.

There were mixed reactions on the minimum requirements for education, training and professional qualifications for persons who seek to engage in religious activities with some church ministers say preaching is a calling and one should not be limited by education if they wish to serve God.

Others said church leaders should undertake theological courses in recognized Bible colleges before preaching to their congregation.

Murang’a East Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Nyoro asked the religious community and all other stakeholders to work closely with the government in informing relevant authorities in case they detect any wayward religious doctrines in the community.

“Some religious leaders take advantage of the ignorance of their followers’ understanding of religion to pursue other ulterior motives,” he said adding that the security team is going to act accordingly in the event of cases of religious extremism and radicalization in the area.

The DCC thanked members of different religions and denominations for turning up in large numbers to give their input during public participation.

Various stakeholders, including religious leaders, activists, civil society organizations, and residents of Murang’a County, attended the public participation forum where the task force received recommendations and memoranda for review.

The task force team led by Arch-Bishop Maurice Muhatia said the views captured will be integrated into the frameworks and regulations to ensure a lasting solution will be found to weed out religious extremism, cults, and radicalization as the government takes firm action to prevent a repeat of Shakahola killings.

Courtesy ; K. N. A