Malindi Diocese Bishop Willybard Lagho has banned politicians from getting special treatment during holy mass.
In a recent letter dated Wednesday April 2, Bishop Lagho noted that politicians should not be entitled to special seats or be allowed to address congregants.
“I would like to remind all Parish priests, Assistant priests, and all the Laity that places of worship are sacred, and all worshipers inside the church are expected to focus on prayers, listening to the Word of God, and partaking in the Eucharist. It is therefore sacrilegious to transform the church for any other business. All worshipers, including politicians, are to be treated equally, and no one is entitled to special seats or seating places, nor time to address the faithful,” the letter read in part.
Catholic bishop bans politicians from getting special treatment during Mass services. Photo: Courtesy.
The bishop moreover directed the Malindi Diocese priests not to recognize anyone who notifies the church leadership of their plan to attend mass.
He further warned the priests that they would face consequences if they disregarded his directive.
According to the bishop, the church should not be used for political expediency and money laundering.
Bishop Lagho’s directive comes weeks after the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit, banned all political rhetoric in all ACK churches across the country.
Speaking on Sunday, March 16, Sapit pointed out that politicians were spewing hate in churches instead of serving Kenyans.
