Government's move to regulate religions ill-advised

While it is true that there have been rogue clergymen, the Government’s move to regulate religions is ill-advised. There should be separation of church and State otherwise we will live to regret for ignoring what history teaches us over the same.

Although there was a public outcry recently over rogue and radical preachers, the motive to regulate the clergy and their organisations raises more questions than answers.

If the Government is serious about safeguarding her citizens from economic drain as it wants us to believe, then it should start with corruption and looting of public resources.

Nowhere in the Bible are preachers required to have professional certificates or qualification in proclaiming the gospel.

Indeed, apostles Peter and John were great preachers but who depended only on Christ to approve them.

Prosecuting and jailing those who will fail to comply with the draft law will be in vain. They will still preach in prisons and remand cells.

{Samson Nyasimi, Kericho}

As one of the religious leaders, I have been encouraged by the unity among all leaders that our Government got it wrong in its plan to regulate religions.

The motive of coming up with the laws was not for the betterment of religion or Christianity to be specific.

One of my church members asked me to tell him 10 of our Christian leaders who have had a major impact on this nation. After naming those I know of, he asked me how many of them had theological qualifications from recognised colleges when they started as church leaders. You can guess what was my finding!

The new laws are wanting and are not in agreement with what the holy book teaches.

I urge our leaders to take this early opportunity to rectify the mistake that they are about to make! If not, let them wait for the author of our faith, who also allowed them to hold those positions to defend himself! I know he is able.

The results of the next election will confirm what I am saying. They need to know that they are holding those positions not because they are better than everybody, but because God has favoured them.

{Pastor William Owuya, via email}

 

Freedom of worship is a fundamental right under the Bill of Rights as stipulated in the Constitution. It is an express authority governing and protecting human rights, but such freedom comes with a responsibility.

It is true that the best government is one that governs the least as was said by Henry David Thoreau, but a government that pays attention to details and acts proactively is the most realistic.

The new rules are not meant to regulate the work of God, but the humans who commit errors, offences, crimes and sins for that matter. The core responsibility of any government is to protect its people from any form of vagaries.

I belong to the Christian faith, but at times I get appalled by certain things practised by some churches. The title or the position given to a clergyman does not make him or her righteous. Neither does it guarantee access to kingdom of God or eternal life.

The masses have been misled to the point of worshipping mortals and adoring them like gods, yet the Government keeps quiet.

The Government should ensure that poor Kenyans are not brainwashed by religious leaders.

{Samuel Owida, Kisumu}