Churches have right to decline donations that cause division and confusion

Give donations to church or not? This has been a raging debate in the past two months not only in the political spaces but also in churches. The theological teaching on anyone contributing for the good of the church, precisely in the growth of faith among the believers, is in no doubt. Anyone can donate to the church any amount. This is the first principle. The second principle regards the nature of the donation.

The intention – call it motive – of the donation has to be pure. And this is where controversy starts. How do you measure or unequivocally tell that the intention to give is pure or not? On what basis then can the church decline a donation?

There is a blurred difference between philosophical and theological responses to these questions. One raising philosophical questions has to give in to theological arguments because that is the foundation for faith practice. Because of the limited space I have I will briefly address only the theological position on donations.

First, just like in the African traditional practices, giving and sharing for the sake of ensuring everyone has what they need are virtuous acts. In Acts 4:34-35, we learn that “there was not a needy person among them. For as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.”

In sharing there is no marketing of oneself or taking advantage of the less privileged to make more gains for self. If that happens, then that is either exploitation of the needy for self-appeasement or a transactional act in which the giver expects a return on investment. In giving and sharing, the spirit is one of respect, dignity and of a common destiny. Unfortunately, some of the aid we receive from the international partners falls in this category of giving in order to receive back in kind or in other forms. There are donors from whom the church cannot accept donations.

Second, on purity of intention, we learn in Matthew 6:1-2 that “beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” The point is, whoever plans to donate should ensure this is done without appearing to draw recognition out of it. Donate because you are blessed to have more. In fact, the one giving should thank the people who accept such gifts because they provide a chance to be charitable.

Third, established mainstream churches have learned from centuries of receiving donations. There are Kings who have built churches and mosques. But they have not had their offers declined because accepting such donations goes through a process. Normally, the donation has to be provided unconditionally and without intention on the part of the giver to directly or indirectly using the church for political gain. The church distinguishes between spiritual offers to a church and using the church as a platform for personal gain. It is very sensitive to givers, both known and unknown, who come like angels but deep down they are merchants. The church jealously guards its sanctuary. In the same way, no one can just walk to Parliament when it is in session. Such a person is called “a stranger.”

Fourthly, St Paul has a stern warning. 1 Corinthians 8:9: “but take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” Actions that scandalise or affect the faith of the people, even if good in themselves, are not allowed. The same way parents cannot do certain acts before children even if those acts are neither immoral or illegal, the church has the obligation to decline donations that cause division and confusion among the faithful.

Dr Mokua is the executive director of Loyola Centre for Media and Communication