Archbishop Sapit Prohibits Politicians from Addressing ACK Services

Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has banned politicians from speaking at Anglican Church services, emphasizing that speeches should occur outside the church. This move accompanies a directive against public donation announcements, aiming to preserve the church’s spiritual integrity and prioritize societal issues over political campaigning.

Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya has enacted a new policy prohibiting politicians from speaking or making donation announcements during church services. This decision was publicly announced during the consecration of Jonathan Kabiru as the third Bishop of Nairobi, where politicians including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka were present but not allowed to address the congregation.

As part of this directive, Archbishop Sapit emphasized that political figures would be acknowledged by name but that they must confine their speeches to outside the church sanctuary. He reiterated that financial offerings should not be publicly declared and urged congregants to give as directed by their faith without needing human acknowledgment.

Following the announcements, several politicians exited the service. Archbishop Sapit indicated that this directive will extend to similar events, such as one scheduled in Nyeri County. He cited the need for politicians to focus on addressing pressing public issues, including failures in healthcare and educational systems, rather than using church platforms as political stages.

Moreover, the Archbishop noted the frustrations being voiced by university students regarding new funding models and delays in school capitation. He insisted that the church must remain free from political agendas, underscoring the policy’s applicability to all politicians attending ACK services. Archbishop Sapit also called for a swift appointment of new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) without political interference, reflecting the church’s stance on political involvement in spiritual matters.

This move has stirred discussions within the church and the public, with many seeing it as a necessary shift to preserve the sanctity of worship spaces from political exploitation.

In conclusion, Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit’s recent directives concerning political interactions during Anglican Church services seek to maintain spiritual sanctity and prioritize pressing societal issues over political campaigning. By prohibiting donations announcements and speeches from politicians, the Archbishop aims to refocus church activities toward serving community interests and addressing public grievances rather than allowing political agendas to infiltrate worship spaces.

Original Source: ntvkenya.co.ke