04 Jun 2014

Justice Terrence Rannoane of Gaborone High Court has warned Batswana to guard against foreign churches aimed at cheating them.

He said most of such churches deceived and robbed Batswana of their hard earned valuables. Giving a keynote address at the official opening and 75th anniversary of the St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Mmopane recently, Justice Rannoane expressed fear over the manner in which such churches commonly known as fire churches were spreading in the country.

He wondered why such individuals were flocking into Botswana where peace and tranquility were prevailing instead of preaching peace in their countries where in most cases there was no peace.

Justice Rannoane warned Batswana who were supporting such individuals to understand that the founders of such churches did not bring anything new but aimed at enriching themselves.

He said if indeed the said churches were capable of making wonders, they could have demonstrated their potentials by bringing peace in their own countries. “Why is it that they do not join existing church denominations”, he rhetorically asked.

He further said although government guaranteed freedom of worship, lawlessness was not condoned. Justice Rannoane further challenged churches to collaborate with government in the fight against immorality that had invaded the society.

He cited issues of Satanism, corruption and killing of innocent people. He also said the role played by churches in the development of the society was needed, especially roping in of the youth in the churches.

Justice Rannoane thanked the Mmopane congregation for the dedication and commitment towards realising their dream of completing the church. Meanwhile the acting Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Vincent Seretse said government acknowledged and appreciated the critical role played by churches in building the society.

The project co-coordinator, Ms Mmadiane Ncaagae commended individuals who worked tirelessly towards ensuring completion of the St. Andrew’s church. She expressed happiness over the fact that it was through commitment, dedication and devotions of most of individual church members and Good Samaritans that construction of the project was finalised.

She further said out of the over P850 000 used for the project only P75 000 was contributed by the Mmopane church while the other amount came from individuals and companies such as Mascom Wireless and Clover Chemicals.

For his part Kgosi Babedi Manthe of Mmopane challenged church leaders to take initiatives of reviving lost souls of individual members. Ends