Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho /CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MALINDI
Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi has called for equality among worshippers, stressing that churches should not be used as platforms for personal gain or attention-seeking.
In a notice issued on Wednesday, the Bishop said that the church was a sacred institution that is dedicated to the word of God, the Eucharist and prayer adding that it was “sacrilegious” to transform the church for any other business.
He stated that no one, including politicians, should be given special seating or preferential treatment, nor should they be granted special time to address the faithful during services.
He noted that all believers should be treated with dignity and with the same respect and criticized those who misused the places of worship by seeking entitlement, stressing that churches would not recognize them.
“I would like to remind all Parish priests, Assistant priests and all the Laity that places of worship are sacred and all worshippers inside the church are expected to focus on prayers, listening to the word of God and partaking in the Eucharist,” he stated.
He further pointed out that it is “sacrilegious” to turn a church into a venue for anything other than religious activities.
The Bishop also hit out at individuals who notify church leadership of their plans to attend mass on specific days or times, demanding special attention. Such behavior, he noted, should not be acknowledged by the church.
“Consequently, any priest or church official who disregards this directive will be held personally responsible,” he warned.
The Bishop also advocated for lasting peace across the country, urging people to stop using places of worship for political gain.
The remarks come at a time when there is a national debate about the extent to which politicians should be involved in fundraising activities in churches and allowed to speak.
