Venson-Moitoi Decries Immoral, Unethical Behaviour In The Church
Chakalisa Dube | Monday August 20, 2018 13:51
They also help maintain order in the society at large. However Pelonomi-Venson Moitoi, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has said that as per various reports, a notable number of some leaders might not be keen to execute their roles and have now resorted to unethical conduct.
The minister said indications are that some church leaders in the country now have ethical problems, which warrant special attention before they spiral out of control. Venson-Moitoi was officiating at the 65th anniversary of Spiritual Healing Church (SHC) here on Saturday.
She urged churches to use various platforms at their disposal to address growing instances where their leaders around the country act unethically.
“Churches should now use some of their routine gatherings to extensively discuss issues of misconduct associated with some church leaders. Summits or events organised by umbrella church bodies such as the Botswana Council of Churches and Organisation of African Churches should devote much time and resources to addressing the immorality associated with some church leaders.”
Venson-Moitoi said if church leaders do not cease from acting in a less ethically considerate manner, morality and virtue might disappear from the church. The minister said that if morality does not exist in the church, the society might also end up being morally corrupted.
Last year, one of the local church pastors was charged with the brutal murder of his wife in what many said was a major highlight that morality is slowing disappearing from the church scene and among senior church leaders in the country.
In recent times, some church leaders have also been accused of sexual misconduct and financial irregularities. Venson-Moitoi further urged churches to strongly help government to fight against corruption, drug-related problems and money laundering through any means possible.
She noted that corruption; money laundering and problems associated with illegal trading as well as use of drugs have become a serious concern to the country, hence churches cannot afford to remain silent.
The current SHC leader, Prophet Joseph Motswasele, however, assured the minister that his church has never attracted controversy of any nature since its formation. “My biggest wish is to see our church maintain high ethical standards,” said Motswasele who pledged that SHC would do all it can to preach good governance and sound administrative practices to other churches in the country.
Meanwhile, during the SHC 65th anniversary celebrations, the church unveiled a new state-of-the-art museum. The museum will be used to showcase the history of the church to members of the community and church members. It is also seen as one way of preserving the church’s history.
The church also officially handed three cars that were bought for the current prophet and his two deputies. Motswasele was handed a Mercedes-Benz sedan while his deputies were given Toyota Avensis sedans. All the three vehicles had been pre-used. The cars are for both official and personal use.
The main Matsiloje church was also renovated this year to coincide with the anniversary celebrations. SHC was established by renowned prophet, Jacob Mokgweetsi Motswasele in Matsiloje, its headquarters, in 1953.
He died in 1980. The church currently has branches in countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia. Over 3,000 people including from all the aforementioned countries attended the weekend celebrations.