The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has made a major decision to prohibit political activities in its member churches. This means that politicians will no longer be allowed to make political speeches or announce their contributions during church services.
This move follows a similar directive from the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), which recently banned opposition leaders from addressing worshippers at Nairobi’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The move by NCCK is seen as a further step towards keeping politics out of religious gatherings.The directive was announced during an executive committee meeting in Limuru, Kiambu County.
NCCK emphasized that politicians should address the public or media outside the worship areas and not inside the church. This means that political leaders attending church services will no longer have the privilege of using the pulpit to campaign or make political statements.
The council has also made it clear that financial contributions from politicians should be treated like any other offerings from regular members, without special recognition or public announcement.
Archbishop Joseph Ole Sapit, who has been at the forefront of ensuring political neutrality in churches, has also overseen the enforcement of this decision in all Anglican Church locations nationwide.
His position has been clear that churches should not be turned into political platforms. The NCCK has now strengthened this stand by introducing eight new principles for governance that aim to restore the sanctity of the church and remove any political influence.
One of the key concerns raised by NCCK is that religious leaders should not endorse or oppose any politician or political party. This directive is meant to ensure that churches remain neutral and do not become tools for political manipulation.
Church leaders are also advised to avoid giving politicians undue importance when they attend services. This means that the church should not prioritize politicians over other worshippers or make it seem like they are more valuable members of the congregation.
Another important point in the NCCK’s statement is that while politicians may attend church services like any other worshippers, clergy members are encouraged to raise any issues affecting the congregation with them.
However, this should be done in a manner that maintains the integrity of the church and does not turn religious gatherings into political rallies.The new guidelines also emphasize the need for unity among church leaders to ensure that these rules are followed in their respective congregations.
NCCK has urged all its member churches to implement these measures without exception, ensuring that worship spaces remain places of prayer and spiritual nourishment rather than platforms for political agendas.
The move is expected to change the way politicians interact with churches in Kenya, as many have previously used religious gatherings to push their political ambitions.
Leave feedback about this