• The council stated that it is concerned that politicians were consistently passing messages of hate, division and discord from the pulpit and in churches.
• It also acknowledged that church services are attended by worshippers drawn from different political parties, opinions and ethnic communities.
Image: /EZEKIEL AMING'A
The National Council of Churches of Kenya has banned political leaders from speaking to the congregation from the pulpit.
The leaders were asked to do so after worship service.
This is a resolution made during the 64th General Assembly held from August 23-26, 2021 at Jumuia Conference .
In the resolution, the council said it’s concerned that politicians were consistently passing messages of hate, division and discord from the pulpit and in churches.
It also acknowledged that church services are attended by worshippers drawn from different political parties, opinions and ethnic communities.
"Should a political leader or aspirant be allowed to speak during the worship service, they must be stopped from campaigning," part of the resolution read.
"The Clergy in charge should agree with the political leader or aspirant about their talking points before being given a chance to speak to the congregants to avoid foul language and incitement.”
Churches have equally been advised to endeavour to minister to aspirants from the different political persuasions, and to pray for each when they attend the service.
"Church leaders should avoid anointing or commissioning any individuals to be aspirants or to declare any to be the God-ordained candidate," the council said.
The council said churches can receive contributions and offerings from political leaders and aspirants, but the giving of such contributions should not be used as campaign forums or to access the pulpit for political messaging.
"Churches will avoid announcing contributions by politicians or aspirants unless the contributions of all other congregants are being announced,"
The assembly also stated that congregants will be organized to develop manifestoes to present to the leaders.
The manifesto will be developed either by the whole congregation, or through the different groups such as men, women, and youth.
"The manifestoes will indicate what the congregation expects of the person who will be elected Member of County Assembly, Member of National Assembly, Women Representative, Senator, Governor or President," the council said.
The Clergy in charge will present the manifesto on behalf of the congregation, or create a forum after the service where the different groups engage the aspirant who attend a worship service.
The council said it is committed to nurturing and protecting the wellbeing of the individual, the family, the community and the nation.
It has also recognised that, "politics of hatred and division foster a contest of “us” versus “them” during seasons of General Elections, which in 2007 led the nation to the brink."