22 Mar 2015

Members of Parliament on Thursday March 19 continued to differ on the proposed Societies (Amendment) Bill with some saying it was good for the country while others said it sought to restrict the growth of churches.

Supporting the Bill, Member of Parliament (MP) for Shashe West, Mr Fidelis Molao said Batswana have been swindled by foreign pastors and prophets.

He further said in recognition of instability in churches, noise pollution and all night prayer services there has to be a solution. MP Molao however said he was not sure whether increasing numbers of people required to register a church from 20 to 250 would be the solution.

He said in consultation with his constituents, some opined that a total ban of churches would be ideal while majority said the required number was small. MP Molao said there was need for government to check out backgrounds of all foreigners who wish to open churches in the country saying some are not even pastors.

The Shashe West MP said although they would ultimately be judged by God, the government had to do what was right to protect Batswana.

MP for Lerala-Maunatlala, Mr Prince Maele said 250 was possible saying people in settlements could open a branch and be part of the required number.

The number, he added makes it harder for people to start churches and at the end would eliminate fraudulent pastors.

MP for Thamaga-Kumakwane, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo also supported the Bill saying the government has to protect its citizens especially as the new churches are attracting a good number of youths.

Opposing the Bill, MP for Goodhope-Mabule, Mr James Mathokgwane said when the missionaries established churches in the country, the inturn got big chunks of land as seen by the Roman Catholic Church which owns a vast land in Gaborone covering Game City and Commerce Park.

He said he was surprised the government talks about economic churches as if it was something new in the country.

MP Mathokgwane further said no church member was forced to give adding that even members of the Catholic Church freely donate to the church annually and there was no exploitation.

He said while the missionaries built schools and hospitals, the new churches which are not mainstream also contribute to the economy as they have also established pre-schools and make donations.

The Goodhope-Mabule legislator said the Bill also promoted xenophobia saying it further singles out pastors from Africa.

For his part, Mochudi West MP, Mr Gilbert Mangole said Bakgatla do not have an issue with the proliferation of churches but the noise they make during the night disturbs their neighbours.  

He said he was against the Bill saying he wondered how people in settlements were expected to freely practice their religion when they do not have the required number to register a church.

MP Mangole said people should be allowed to start in small numbers adding the small congregations had an advantage as members knew each other well hence supportive.

He said it could had been better if the government came up with a law prohibiting Batswana from exploitation saying he does not understand how increasing the threshold would protect the nation.  ENDS