05 Dec 2013

Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Edwin Batshu has called for good governance within churches.

Speaking at the Body of Christ SHILOH annual gathering that was held at Tsolamosese in Moditshane, Tuesday, December 3 he said it was important for each church member to be familiar with the contents of the church constitution.

Mr Batshu said the constitution spell out the objectives, structure of the church, communication channels and disciplinary procedures, frequency as well as purpose of the church meetings.

“Through familiarity with the constitution, members will know of the requirements to submit annual returns, which is compulsory in terms of Societies Act, under which your church is registered,” he said.

Mr Batshu said being properly informed about the church will improve allegiance and tolerance among the congregants, which he said will reduce worrisome regular break-ups in churches.

“Conduct of the church should be beyond reproach, so that as expected, the church leads by example in all its activities,” he said. Minister Batshu further said Batswana as a Christian nation need time off to reflect on their spiritual values, decide on what they need to strengthen their faith in God.

“When we meet on a common mission as we are now, one of our take homes must be a revitalised spiritual life,” he said.

On other issues, Mr Batshu also noted that his ministry was deeply concerned about the increasing numbers of marriages that were breaking up, resulting in divorces, and separations.“There is no peace and no rest in many families of our nation,” he said.
 The minister also implored church authorities to take the lead in discussion of issues of common interest which affect the nation and church members such as HIV/AIDS scourge, gender based violence, road accidents and pillars of Vision 2016.

The Body of Christ SHILOH Annual Gathering is an annual event that gathers of all Christians, to reflect on their faith, rediscover themselves and enrich their faith.
 It was attended by different Pentecostal churches around the country and was led by Prophet Joshua Kgatwane of The Arch of God Mission Worldwide. ENDS