By Morgen Makombo Sikwila
In recent times, the country has witnessed a growing conversation surrounding the need to regulate religious practices, particularly in response to the proliferation of churches preaching the gospel of prosperity.
Long before, the church was where people went to get spiritual nourishment and encouragement, and also it is only in the church that one could feel closer to God. In some instances, the church also acted as a school. Important virtues like love, honesty, faith, and patience, just to name but a few, could be taught at the church, both to children and adults. Unfortunately, in this new generation, things have changed. Some churches cannot be trusted anymore. Not all, but, quite a number have diverted from the previous good doctrine that everyone could expect to be taught at the church.
Certain churches have resorted to some teaching which even goes against human rights and freedoms as enshrined in our Zimbabwean constitution. This is why, we see those who are presumed to have died from varying causes and sexual abuses as alleged, including the under-age, continue being exhumed from some shrines. The numbers could be more than recorded. It is worth noting, the changes in the teachings can not only be attributed to the church leadership and proprietors, but also, the congregants themselves. Such factors include freedom of worship and lack of proper education.
Yes, freedom of worship is enshrined in Section 60 of our Zimbabwean Constitution. Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. Every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observance of a day of worship. But, this is a subject that needs to be looked into keenly. We should ask ourselves, like in this scenario of what is happened to the leader of a religious sect was arrested for suspected child abuse when police found 251 mimors working on his farm and 16 graves, whom does this article protect? Is it that people who were rescued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police before they were taken to place of safety or, is it the controversial preacher? Or, is these 16+ graves which have so far been identified? This section 60 leaves it so open, to the extent that we don’t know who really can enjoy the privilege and who can use it to overstep on another one’s right.
Perhaps, it is high time that the government finds a way to protect the citizens from being brainwashed and exploited by such rogue clerics all in the name of religion. Just as other institutions, for example, in the media fraternity, we have the Media Council of Zimbabwe which checks on the media activities. The government should also come up with a regulatory body to check on church activities. Such factors as, the qualification of the clerics, the teachings that the given church stands for and all the activities that will be carried out at the church should be open to scrutiny and should be in line with the set-out rules and regulations. With this, the involved parties, the clerics, the congregants, and the government will all be protected and we might avoid such a scenario which has happened in some religious sects, as well as many other places that might not yet have been discovered.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about religious leaders cozying up to politicians, diluting their roles as moral compasses and custodians of societal well-being.
However, amidst these challenges, it is crucial to acknowledge the country’s commitment to freedom of religion as provided for by the constitution, which be said to be tolerant to everyone’s belief or lack of.
The recognition of various religions by the constitution demonstrates the country’s commitment to inclusivity and the protection of minority beliefs. It sends a strong message that religious freedom extends beyond traditional faiths and ensures that diverse religious expressions are acknowledged and respected.
Balancing the need for regulation with constitutional provisions for freedom of expression is essential to protect the populace while respecting individual liberties. While regulating religion can have its advantages, such as protecting citizens and ensuring accountability, it can also have its disadvantages, such as violating religious freedom and leading to government interference.
However, there are examples from around the country that highlight the need for regulation in some cases.
There have been cases of religious leaders promoting hate speech and that incites violence against some political groupings. This has led to communal riots and violence, which have claimed many lives and caused significant social and economic damage. In such cases, regulating religious speech that promotes violence and hate can help prevent such incidents.
However, it is important to note that regulation must be done carefully and with respect to religious freedom.
In China, for example, the government has cracked down on religion, particularly in the Xinjiang region where the Uighur Muslim minority lives. The government has closed mosques, banned traditional Islamic dress and detained millions of Uighurs in internment camps. This has been widely criticised as a violation of religious freedom and human rights.
For a long time in the country, prosperity gospel-focused churches have sparked calls for regulation. It is crucial to distinguish between legitimate concerns regarding exploitative practices and the overarching right to freedom of religion.
While the Constitution of Zimbabwe guarantees freedom of worship, it also emphasises the protection of public order, health and morality. The government has a duty to ensure that religious institutions do not pose a threat to societal well-being or exploit vulnerable individuals.
One potential avenue for regulation is through the establishment of clear guidelines and standards for religious organisations. Similar to other sectors, religious institutions should be subject to registration, regular audits and accountability mechanisms to safeguard the public.
Such regulations can ensure transparency in the financial operations of churches, preventing fraud and the misuse of donations. It is essential to strike a balance between religious autonomy and public interest, creating an environment where faith can flourish responsibly.
The entanglement of religious institutions with politics has raised concerns about the erosion of moral leadership. When churches align themselves closely with political figures or parties, their primary role as spiritual guides can be compromised. Instead of offering unbiased counsel, they risk becoming instruments of political manipulation or endorsing policies that are not in the best interests of the congregation or society at large. The current government, especially the presidency, has become a darling of the evangelical churches.
To address this issue, it is imperative to establish clear boundaries between religion and politics. Religious leaders should engage in robust debates on societal issues without promoting partisan interests.
The government, on its part, must avoid instrumentalising religious leaders for political gain. Encouraging religious institutions to focus on their core spiritual mandates will help restore faith in their leadership and foster a more impartial society.
While discussions on regulating religion are essential, it is crucial to ensure that such regulations do not infringe on the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution. The right to express one’s beliefs, critique religious practices, or advocate for change is fundamental in a democratic society.
Balancing regulation with freedom of expression requires a delicate approach, where limitations are carefully crafted to protect individuals without stifling constructive dialogue or dissent. It is imperative for the country to strike a delicate balance between protecting the public interest and safeguarding individual liberties.
Morgen Makombo Sikwila
MSc Peace and Governance
BSc Counselling
Diploma in Environmental Health
Certificate in Marketing Management
email address: morgensikwilam@gmail.com
Phone Number: 0772823282
