The leadership of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Lower Eastern Region, addressing the press in Machakos County on June 21, 2024. IMAGE | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Churches face scrutiny ahead of Sunday services due to the Finance Bill 2024.
- The National Council of Churches of Kenya urges member churches to address the Bill from the pulpit and support public resistance.
All eyes are on churches nationwide as the ongoing contention over the Finance Bill 2024 is expected to be a focal point in Sunday sermons.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has called on member churches to show solidarity with Kenyans in challenging the proposed law.
NCCK Secretary-General Canon Chris Kinyanjui, in a statement, emphasized the need for the church to engage actively in the fight against the Bill from the pulpit.
“It is crucial that churches speak up on behalf of Kenyans who are opposing the Finance Bill 2024,” Canon Kinyanjui remarked.
He highlighted the active role of youth in leading public resistance against the Bill’s tax implications.
The NCCK has developed sermon guidelines to aid churches in addressing the controversial provisions of the Finance Bill. These guidelines promote themes such as fair taxation, just governance, and the encouragement of dignified livelihoods.
“We are urging churches to use their platforms to advocate for peace, justice, and sustainable development,” Canon Kinyanjui stated.
The guidelines encourage churches to appeal to the government to listen to the concerns of the people, echoing sentiments of national solidarity.
“We need to emphasize to the government, and more so His Excellency the President, the need to listen to the people. The people are going through a difficult situation and they are expressing themselves. But are they being heard?” read the statement in part.
Recent events have underscored the church’s role in times of social unrest. The Holy Family Basilica faced criticism after refusing entry to protestors seeking refuge during anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
The incident ignited a broader conversation about the responsibilities of religious institutions in supporting community welfare during crises.
The Basilica, the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, defended its actions, citing concerns for the safety and welfare of its students at the Holy Family Minor Basilica Catholic Parochial School.
As churches prepare for Sunday services, attention is focused on ACK Nyahururu Diocese in Nakuru County, where President William Ruto is expected to attend.
However, protests against politicians supporting the Finance Bill threaten to disrupt the event.
In the midst of these developments, NCCK’s initiative to guide church sermons reflects a broader effort to ensure that the church plays a constructive role in addressing national challenges while upholding principles of justice and peace.