-
Nyaperah said a church is a place of worship that is supposed to bring people closer to God.
-
He said a Church is supposed to be a safe haven for all.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
The Legion Maria of African Chruch Mission has called for the deregistration of suspect churches by the government in order to safeguard the people against abuse.
This comes as it condemns the cultic activities in a Malindi church that led to the death of 21 people through fasting.
Its Director Legion Maria Youth Affairs and Bishop of Lugari Diocese Wycliffe Nyaperah through a statement on Sunday said the news about the cultic Malindi church is very disturbing.
" It is in fact voluntary and only done under a specified period of time and of course with moderation for it is not to cause any harm. Holding people hostage and making them starve to death is not Godly but satanic," he said.
This comes after police early this week arrested a controversial Preacher, Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church who is being accused of misleading his congregants of fasting into their death.
Homicide detectives have so far exhumed up to 21 bodies of people believed to be the followers of Pastor Mackenzie.
Going further the Legio Maria church noted it is sad that such took place in a premise perceived to be a dwelling of God where many thought they could find salvation but unknowingly ended up in a death trap.
Nyaperah condoled with families and friends who had lost their loved ones in unfortunate circumstances.
" May they find solace in the Lord," he said.
According to Legio Maria, the church is a place of worship that is supposed to bring people closer to God.
He said a Church is supposed to be a safe haven for all, a place for healing and not death.
In addition, Nyaperah condemned churches that come in the name of God yet their main objective is that of harming their followers or extorting them for personal gains.
He said people should never use the name of God in committing felonies.
" Any criminal activities happening within church premises should be punishable by law and culprits be put behind bars. All rogue or ghost pastors should be weeded out before they cause harm to the innocent faithful," he said.
The church appealed to everyone to be cautious before joining any church.
" Learn to do a background check before joining any church," Nyaperah said.