02 Oct 2019

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Green Technology and Energy Security, Mr Eric Molale, says the constitution of Botswana embraces all religions. 

Officially opening Church of God of Prophecy convention and ordination of national overseer, Bishop Edison Mooketsane, in Good Hope recently, Mr Molale said government would continue to be guided by the constitution. 

He acknowledged the church for preaching the word of God saying government welcomed partnerships of religious organisations because this could help in building the nation as well as playing a role in instilling positive behaviour. 

Minister Molale also indicated that government had embraced the church even before independence through the existence of missionaries who provided spiritual support and health services, among other things. 

For his part, Bishop Mooketsane hailed government for partnering and supporting the church. 

However, he raised concerns over the visa restrictions and work permits especially for foreign pastors who wanted to serve the people of God in Botswana. 

He said most of them were volunteering to do God's work but in Botswana only a few pastors were willing to volunteer. 

He said they were aware of fraudsters, however ministers of the gospel should not be painted with the same black brush. 

Another challenge, according to Bishop Mooketsane, was lack of places for church buildings and hoped that land allocation could be expedited. 

He indicated that his church had long existed in Botswana before independence, and only got registered in 1973. 

He said they had 20 branches operating in the country and also in 135 countries. 

The convention was attended by pastors and congregants from other countries. ends