Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has revealed that government intends to develop a comprehensive database for churches.
The PM also clarified that government had not yet decided to regulate churches, following concerns raised by MPs during the recent debate of the prime minister’s office second quarter performance report.
The proposal to regulate churches has brought about differing views from both legislators and members of the public as well newspaper guest writers. Some members of the public have indicated that government was spot on to call for church regulation.
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They argued that the church had forced government to intervene as their disputes were dominating the media.
They also noted the recent court case where some churches were charged with contempt of court ,while some pastors were accused of using the church to enrich themselves while their members remain in poverty.
Meanwhile, some Members of Parliament have urged government to not interfere with churches as this was not a government matter to handle.
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini noted during the debate that there was an issue touching on the ministry of home affairs regarding the intended regulation of churches.
He however said they had heard the prime minister speak about regulating the church during an event at Lamgabhi.
He noted that there was then a notice issued inviting church organisations to a meeting.
“Where does government get the moral authority to want to regulate the church, because the Bible is distinctive on the responsibility of government and the church?
“How is government involved in this, particularly because there are also non-believers in government? Government, hands off the church!
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We can see the conflict in churches but that’s not for government to handle,” he said.
In response, the PM clarified that government had not decided to regulate churches as yet. He said the ministry of home affairs’ exercise was meant to develop a comprehensive database of churches in the country.
“The ministry will not touch on the spiritual aspect of the church. However, there is recognition both in government and church bodies that regulation is needed,” he said.
The premier further stated that churches in the country needed some form of self-regulation, however, if they failed to regulate themselves then they must be regulated.
