29 Aug 2022

 The  church is expected to help create, nurture and promote democracy as well as pursue social justice, says Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Pono Moatlhodi.

Opening Shashe Mooke branch of St John Apostolic Faith Mission on Saturday, Mr Moatlhodi said the church could not be divorced from politics and democracy.

“The church is a very important body in promoting peace and democracy and I challenge you to give the church the respect it deserves as a holy institution and a place of healing the sick,” he added.

Mr Moatlhodi, also Tonota MP,  expressed concern over the mushrooming of churches, saying such was an indication that churches were failing to solve their problems.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed his discontentment over internal fights in churches.

“We see breakaways of churches, which lead to people forming their own denominations,” he said and advised churches to set up proper systems to determine how things could be done and managed

Mr Moatlhodi, who donated 10 garden chairs to the church, explained that government supported the existence of churches, the reason why Botswana was regarded as a circular state.

He, therefore, appealed to various church denominations across the country to pray for the political leadership of the country for good governance and prosperity for all.

Giving a background of the church building, Mr Molemisi Motsamai explained that the initiative to build the over P196 000 new structure started in 2018 but was disrupted by the outbreak of COVID-19. 

 He said they managed to build the church through contributions from church members, individuals, the business community and various sponsors.

Mr Motsamai also underscored the role of the church in promoting peace and tranquillity amongst people.

“It also instils discipline amongst people and this is why Botswana support the existence of churches across the country,” he added.

In her welcome remarks, Lady Bishop Josephine Mabutho said they encountered a lot of challenges in building the new structure.  

Lady Mabutho said the old structure was not spacious and threatened to collapse anytime during harsh weather conditions.

The official opening of the new church building was characterised by gospel music from various St. John Apostolic Faith Missions across the country. ENDS