Clericalism is a crime in Jesus’ name

Nakuru Church Elders Council Chairman Bishop Jothan Opicho flanked by other members addresses journalists on January 19, 2016, where they expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed Religious Societies Rules 2015. We don’t need new laws to deal with errant churches, just start applying existing ones indiscriminately. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The culture that we refer to here is that of clericalism. Clericalism is a culture of elitism that gives excessive authority to a privileged few to sanctify and govern.
  • Clericalism is a disease and a crime. Francis is probably the first anti-clerical Pope that the Catholic Church has had.

It would appear that there is as much bad religion as dirty politics in this country.

Just as politics is often the last refuge for the scoundrel, religion offers sanctuary, power and frequently massive wealth to another breed of opportunists and conmen.

There are over 20,000 registered churches in Kenya. Religion, politics and security are the growth industries at the moment.

The lies, deceit, corruption, extortion and showmanship found in many churches would drive a sane person to atheism.

No wonder the Attorney-General has made moves to regulate the registration and conduct of religions.

His effort was met by an angry rejoinder from many churches who threatened to mobilise their followers to vote out Jubilee in the 2017 ballot.

Such reactionary outbursts only confirm the irrational control that some churches exert over their flocks and the reluctance of many religious leaders to be accountable.

It is very difficult to challenge, question or debate with a pastor said to be called, anointed and appointed by God.

To confront him is often perceived as challenging God himself.

This is very much at the root of the problem of fake churches, corrupt pastors and secrecy in handling criminal matters in religious bodies.

The culture that we refer to here is that of clericalism. Clericalism is a culture of elitism that gives excessive authority to a privileged few to sanctify and govern.

It is an elitist mindset that sets the ordained apart from the faithful and is about as undemocratic as you can imagine.

CLERICALISM
In many ways, clericalism is a ‘boys club’ that you enter when you are ordained or appointed as a church leader.

Set apart, you are made to feel special, not by merit, but because of the new powers that you have received.

So a calling to serve can become a chance to be served and initiation into the elitist entitlement culture that is clericalism.

Ministry rather than a call to liberate and transform society can be an opportunity for social promotion where the ministers leave the masses and join the elite and oppressors.

Of course the same tendencies are found just as often among lawyers and medics.

The worst elements of clericalism are found in the secrecy and cover ups so that the ‘good name of the church’ is not tarnished.

This explains the mishandling of horrific child abuse cases in the Catholic Church worldwide.

But the same culture is manifest in most churches over mishandling of church funds, illegitimate children, mistresses and the prosperity gospel.

Clericalism is a disease and a crime. Francis is probably the first anti-clerical Pope that the Catholic Church has had.

His lifestyle repudiates clericalism by his unpretentious, simple and direct approach.

ALL ARE EQUAL

In Nairobi he told religious leaders that the church was not a business or an NGO and there ‘must be no room for personal ambition, for money, for worldly importance’.

He reminded religious people that they are only special by their service.

No one is above the law and crimes of fraud, theft and abuse of power all fall under the penal code.

We don’t need new laws to deal with errant churches, just start applying existing ones indiscriminately.

[email protected] @GabrielDolan1