Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has prohibited politicians from speaking or announcing donations during Anglican Church services, a directive aimed at maintaining the sanctity of worship. The decision follows a service at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral attended by political leaders, highlighting the church’s intent to avoid politicization. The Archbishop insists that donations will remain anonymous and addresses the overall societal responsibilities of politicians.
Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya has prohibited politicians from delivering speeches or announcing donations during church services. This decision was implemented during a service at ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Nairobi, which involved numerous political leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Typically, such occasions allow politicians to address congregations, yet this time, they were met with restrictions.
During the service, Archbishop Sapit declared that, “from today henceforth, in any Anglican congregation, there will be no opportunities for political leaders to give speeches in church.” He emphasized that if politicians wish to address the congregation, it should occur outside of the church premises, maintaining the sanctity of the worship space. Additionally, donations will no longer be announced publicly; worshippers are to give anonymously as directed by their faith.
After the Archbishop’s statements, several politicians exited the church amid the announcements. Following this event, he reiterated that this directive would also apply to services in Nyeri County and stressed that using the church for political campaigning ahead of the 2027 General Elections is unjust, especially given the challenges facing Kenyans in healthcare and education systems.
Furthermore, the Archbishop expressed concern over mounting frustrations regarding the new education funding model and the delays in school funding disbursement. He clarified that this policy aims to prevent politicians from exploiting church settings for political gain and will apply universally to all politicians attending services at ACK churches. He also underscored the importance of expediting the hiring of IEBC commissioners without political bias, reflecting the call for accountability and dedication to addressing public issues without involving politics in religious gatherings.
In summary, Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit’s recent directives aim to uphold the purity of worship within the Anglican Church of Kenya by preventing politicians from exploiting church services for political gain. He emphasizes the need for politicians to focus on their responsibilities towards the Kenyan populace rather than using the church as a platform for campaigning. This decisive stance marks a significant shift in the church’s engagement with politics, potentially setting a precedent for similar measures in the future.
Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke
