“Kenya’s evangelical churches have condemned government plans to make it tougher for religious bodies and clerics from all faiths to operate.” The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya says the government is aiming to stop the growth of evangelical churches”
The proposals would require all religious bodies to register, for preachers to have police clearance, and for institutions to submit their statements of faith to a government-backed examination. Other proposals include 1). All preachers would have to undergo theological training at a reputable seminary, 2) The Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission will have to certify that clergy are not corrupt, and 3), Foreign pastors will need a work permit, and a recommendation from their government.
While Christians form the majority in Kenya, the main body of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims also opposed the proposals on the basis of freedom of worship. The proposals amount to a “clampdown on religious institutions” the council said.
Recently, Kenya’s Communications Authority published new broadcasting regulations, which bans preachers from soliciting money on air.
“Horrible things are happening in the church today. There is a lot of commercialisation of the gospel with this prosperity gospel,” said the Anglican Church of Kenya, Bishop Beneah Salah. He said the church was not in a healthy state. Perhaps God is using the state to punish the church as he did in the past, where he used kings or nations to discipline the church,” he added.
The Catholic Church to which President Uhuru Kenyatta belongs – has not yet commented on the proposals.
The government will hold public consultations before drafting legislation.
Note that all the proposals would essentially mean that all church bodies and institutions would have to be involved and in harmony with the ecumenical movement. The proposals would not affect the Catholic Church, which is the largest body of Christians in Kenya, while it would limit minority churches in what they would do.
The government’s proposals would also target Muslim extremists. Again, Muslim extremists are engaged to assist as an excuse to limit all religious minorities.
Evangelicals are mobilizing opposition to the proposals.
The proposals in Kenya are just one more way, in one more country, in which freedom of religion is under assault.
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