Don't tamper with churches, State told

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has called on the Government to go back to the drawing board on the issue of regulating religion.

The church, led by moderator Rev Julius Mwamba, told the State that it could not monitor worship since it is a call from God.

"The Government cannot regulate the churches because we as pastors, clergy, reverends and bishops are called to serve God and also prophesy things meant to happen in days to come," said Rev Mwamba.

He was speaking during a Sunday service at PCEA Kiambu town Sunday.

Mwamba said people who had turned the Word of God into business were the ones who should be dealt with as criminals. "The Government should not at any given time try to tamper or regulate how churches operate. If there are criminals among us, deal with them as individuals," said the cleric.

Rev Mwamba said freedom of worship was God-given and not a right given by the Constitution.

The Attorney General's office published new rules that require clerics to submit theological training certificates.