Batshu urges churches to sort their affairs
Ivy Matlho | Tuesday September 15, 2015 14:49
Speaking during a Family Sunday Celebration Service organised by Family of God Church here on Sunday, Batshu said that it is important for the church to run their affairs in a peaceful manner.
He said by so doing cases of conflicts amongst church members would not arise. He said that the church must also learn to resolve their internal disputes without having to ask for external intervention.
“I expect churches to run their affairs amicably and where necessary resolve their disputes without resorting to external intervention,” he said.
He also said that the Society Amendment Act that was passed by Parliament this year, is expected to bring some improvement in the administration of societies including churches.
He said that the Act also provides for establishment of an Advisory and Arbitration Council that will help in cases of disputes in the registered societies including church.
He said that even though the Council will help in the solving of disputes, the church is encouraged to solve their internal disputes and ask for external intervention when necessary.
Batshu also said that the church should also cooperate with community members to avoid unnecessary conflicts. He said that the church must worship in such a way that the public will not be badly affected.
He also stated that of recent, there have been some complaints of churches that make noise during their worship especially at night.
“I have received concerns about the levels of noise caused by some churches during their worship especially at night,” he said.
He said that although churches have been granted the freedom to worship, they are expected to be sensitive to their neighbours in order to avoid any potential conflict.
“ The Constitution provides for freedom of worship. I request all churches to be sensitive to their neighbourhood in order to avert conflicts arising from such disturbances in the community,” he said.
“I urge members of the public who are affected by the disturbances to report such to the police so that such churches can be dealt with,” he said, adding the churches that do not abide by the law could be de-registered.