No space for politics: Anglican Church bans politicians from the pulpit

The Anglican Church of Kenya, through its Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, has banned donations made to the church by politicians saying they will only accept offerings.

Speaking in Kiambu County on Tuesday, Ole Sapit directed that all churches must not allow politicians to use the pulpit to settle scores.

“We are not going to open up the pulpit to be the place where we do politics. If we have to meet Christians and greet, let us do it outside the church. Let every worship hour be a worship hour where what we hear is the word of God and not political rhetoric,” said Ole Sapit.

He faulted the manner in which politicians have held the church hostage by use of their huge donations.

“Giving should be a secret thing between you and your God it’s not something to be displayed…. Do it secretly it doesn’t matter the amount . But if it is for display we are saying we are sorry because the church is not available for display,” said Ole Sapit.

Debate has been rife on millions of shillings donated to churches, with the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji terming the act as cleaning of dirty corruption money.

“…religious leaders and institutions you must refuse to accept contributions that are of questionable origin. You have it within your power to create systems that can interrogate and ascertain the origin of donations and contributions and if you need help we are here,” said Haji in a recent address.

According to the ACK church leader, the churches have been reduced to political rallies where politicians take over the programme and undermine the rules of respective religion.