KENYA: Statement by the Catholic Church on the proposed religious societies rules 2015
Kenyans, the Catholic Church has over the years lived true to her mission of
evangelisation. We have, over the years, kept our doors open to millions of
Kenyans across the country who truly seek Christ in their life.
our Churches spread in every corner of the country, our schools and medical
facilities, we have constantly striven to reach out to the body, mind and souls
of Kenyans from all walks of life.
is therefore with shock and surprise that we have received the news that the
government has formulated new rules that, if implemented, will have direct and
negative impact on our evangelization mission. Similar attempts to regulate the
procedures for Christian marriage have led to a major drop in young people
coming to Church to celebrate the sacrament.
shepherds of the Catholic Church are deeply concerned about the proposed the
new, Societies (religious societies) rules, 2015 on the following grounds:
The
constitution of Kenya draws a very clear line between the state and
religion. The same constitution is also
explicitly clear on the freedom of worship, which is enshrined in the document.
How then, we, ask, does the government purport to regulate how Kenyans worship?
Is this not a clear violation of the constitution?
Broad
sections of the law are unrealistic and utopian. For example, parts of the law
require different faiths to keep an updated register of all members. We wish to
remind the state that the work of winning souls for Christ is an ongoing task,
one that happens every second, every minute, every day and night. Every second,
millions of souls are won for Christ. To demand that all faiths keep records of
people won for Christ every minute and those who have become inactive is
therefore logistically unrealistic and untenable.
Further
to that, the new rules give the registrar sweeping powers, including the power
to invade Churches to conduct impromptu audit. This is, to say the least, a license
for the government to violate constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship.
The Catholic Church is not a business; neither is it a Non-Government
Organisations or a civil society. The Catholic Church is a people of God. As such, the state cannot purport to audit
the faith of the people of God.
Further,
to demand that all faiths register followers will only serve to convert
churches into mere registration centres, instead of citadels of hope and faith
for millions of Kenyans. Matters of faith are not about numbers. They are about
conversion of the soul. To demand that Churches, keep records of their
followers will effectively reduce Christianity into a game of numbers, and
water down the mission of the Church which is evangelization and assisting people
to become better persons.
Kenyans, this is not the first time that we are raising our concerns with the
government regarding attempts to regulate churches and worship Unfortunately,
the government has chosen to ignore our concerns or sideline us altogether in
the formulation of these rules.
constitution is clear on citizen involvement in formulation of rules and laws
affecting the people. If indeed the government is genuine in formulating these
rules, then it should have, as respected the constitution by ensuring wide
consultation with all religious leaders in the country in the formulation and
wording of these new rules. Sadly, these rules seem to have been formulated
inside boardrooms without due regard for the spiritual welfare of our beloved
country.
government already has at its disposal mechanisms to bring to book rogue
religious leaders in the country. To
begin with, the government already wields the power to register or de-register
Churches, as well as preferring criminal charges on wayward churches and church
leaders.
we acknowledge the governments’ concerns about reported cases where persons
purporting to be shepherds of the flock have grossly abused duties and
responsibilities placed on them, it is our opinion that these new rules will
not adequately address such cases.
Catholic Church has a Code of Canon Law to guide and regulate her operations.
It sets the bar on all facets of the Church –from leadership to membership.
Code of Canon law has clearly laid down procedures on qualifications for
leaders at all levels and how to punish errant leaders and members. It is only
fair that the state gives the Catholic Church space to implement this
constitution in the spirit of self-regulation.
this way can the separation of Church and State as stipulated in the
constitution, and indeed, the freedom of worship be guaranteed.
new laws are therefore an attempt to micromanage worship and should be dropped.
We invite the government to establish means to discuss the way forward. The
Catholic Church remains a credible partner in the spiritual and social
development of all partners.
________________________
Date: January 12th 2016
of Catholic Bishops /Homa Bay
