Catholic Church Backtracks on Church Regulation Proposal
Wednesday, May 3, the Catholic Church, led by Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa, made an unprecedented departure from its earlier call for church regulation in the country.
After meeting with religious leaders from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), Kivuva spoke at Ufangamano House.
The Catholic Church stated that it was improper for the government to regulate churches, contradicting a statement it made on April 26.
Kivuva read a statement on behalf of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), and the Supreme Council of Kenyan Ecumenical Ministers (SUKEM).
On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, religious leaders from SUPKEM, NCCK, and the Conference of Catholic Bishops will gather at Mfangamano House.
Kivuva stated that while churches required an audit, it could only be conducted internally and not by the government.
“Internal consultations on the structure of self-regulation guidelines that will accommodate all religions in the country are ongoing. In response to the revelation that Pastor Paul Mackenzie led a cult, the Church stated that it would reveal its plans at the appropriate time.
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Kivuva’s statement contradicted what Archbishop Antony Muheria of Nyeri had stated as the church’s position.
To eradicate the proliferation of cult sects in Kenya, Muheria urged the government to conduct a comprehensive audit of churches nationwide.
“All churches and religious leaders in Kenya should undergo an audit. I will assert my value to the public first.
“Only in this manner can we protect Kenyans from religious extremists. God is not a magician who can promise riches without effort, the bishop had stated at the time.
President William Ruto announced on April 30 that he would establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. To investigate the Shakahola cult deaths.
The move was opposed by a portion of Kenyans. Who argued that the Head of State was violating the religious freedom guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution.
Article 32 of the Constitution prohibits religious discrimination and protects religious freedom. Including the freedom to practice any religion or belief through worship. Instruction, or observance, as well as the freedom to debate religious issues.
“Every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching, or observance, including the observance of a day of worship,” states Section 2 of the Constitution.
Catholic Church Backtracks on Church Regulation Proposal
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