Clergy unhappy with Attorney General over new regulations

The new rules to govern operations of religious organisations have elicited sharp reactions from a cross-section of the clergy.

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) said the Religious Societies Rules published by the Attorney General's office had an ill motive.

In the new regulations, all religious organisations are required to furnish the Registrar with a copy of Kenya Revenue Authority personal identification number, full name of the organisation, a registration number, date of registration, details of office bearers, copies of their identification cards and their passport-size photographs.

Kenya National Congress of Pentecostal Churches and Ministries Chairman Bishop Mark Kariuki expressed shock at the new draft rules.

"These rules are a big shock to us. We will issue a comprehensive statement on the matter after consultations," said Bishop Kariuki.

But the AG defended the new draft rules, saying Kenyans had spoken and expressed their wish for the regulations and the Government had only acted in accordance with their will.

National Council of Churches of Kenya said it was planning to issue a statement on the matter.

But Bungoma Diocese Anglican Church Bishop George Mechumo said the rules were part of the State's attempt to muzzle the Church.

"As a church we will not have a voice once the rules are implemented. By trying to regulate us, the Government is trying to silence us," said Bishop Mechumo, adding that their voice was vital in speaking up for the society at large.

And in a statement released to newsrooms Sunday, The Kenya Church announced it will address the issue today afternoon.

"We wish to invite you for a media briefing at 3.30pm concerning the Attorney General's proposed new rules and other new regulations that are working against the church," reads the statement signed by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries.

Meanwhile, Mt Kenya Pastors Forum has asked the AG to convene an urgent meeting with leaders of the 20,000 registered churches in the country to discuss the contentious issues.

The forum, through its chairman Bishop Daniel Njagi, claimed the new regulations being imposed on churches bordered on infringement of the fundamental human rights of preachers and their institutions.

Addressing the Press in Kerugoya town yesterday, the bishop wondered why the regulations were being rushed for implementation without reasonable and due consultations.

"Our side of the religious divide voted Yes during the 2010 referendum and now the AG is using the very Constitution we supported and voted for to institute stringent measures against churches," Njagi said.

The forum, however, admitted there were rogue preachers who should be contained.

"Of course we are not claiming to be saints for you all know that in every basket of eggs there is always a rotten one and as such church leaders are no exception," he said.

Mombasa Church Forum Secretary Stanley Prince urged caution, saying the AG should not infringe on the right to worship and freely exercise one's faith.

"It would have been prudent for the AG to consult the clergy before publishing the rules. There might be a need to revisit some of those provisions," said Mr Prince.

He argued the right to worship was not only a right enshrined in the Constitution but one that is God-given.

"Whereas we understand the need to protect innocent churchgoers from masquerades who have been found in suspicious practices within religious institutions, the AG must not have infringed on the right to worship," he explained.

Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministries has said some aspects of the new rules like the theological qualifications of religious leaders were uncalled-for since preaching is a calling from God that should not be pegged on the level of education.

Speaking during a service at the church along Thika Road, Bishop Mwai said the new measures were meant to undermine the Church and called on the State to consider shelving the rules.

"One does not necessarily have to be educated in order to become a good preacher. Compelling religious leaders to be theology graduates is not necessary. Preaching is a calling and a gift from God that does not require one to have education," he said.

He said the State should desist from prosecuting the whole Church as a result of the mistakes of one or two errant religious leaders.

"If one or two pastors go astray and deviate from God's teachings, the whole Church should not be condemned and punished. The law should take its course and deal with that particular individual," he said.

-Reports by Lonah Kibet, Mercy Adhiambo, Munene Kamau, Philip Mwakio, Linah Benyawa and Kamau Maichuhie