Kenyan bishops protest government proposals to regulate worship

January 13, 2016

The Catholic bishops of Kenya are protesting proposed government regulations of religion, the Fides news service reports.

The bishops said that they accepted the need for some government regulations, to address a variety of abuses—especially financial misconduct-- by cult leaders. But they objected to a rule that would allow the government “to invade churches to conduct impromptu audits.” The bishops also said that it was “unrealistic and utopian” to suggest that churches could maintain up-to-date registers of all worshippers.

More seriously, the bishops complained that rules to regulate religious activity “will have a direct and negative impact on our evangelization mission.” They asked:

How does the government purport to regulate how Kenyans worship? Is this not a clear violation of the constitution?

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• The Bishops: "We are shocked and surprised by the proposed regulation of worship" said (Fides)