STREET PREACHERS DEFY CHURCH BODIES

MANZINI - Street evangelists are defying warnings to desist from their trade despite warnings that it contributes to the spread of the coronavirus.

The preachers continue to preach in buses and at street corners, arguing that they do not spread the virus in any way.

 They also say the restrictions are contrary to the spiritual mandate they have, to spread the gospel everywhere.

Organisations

The warning from the faith based organisations, the Council of Swaziland Churches, Swaziland Conference of Churches and League of Swaziland Churches, was that when evangelists minister in buses they do not wear masks appropriately and that they were bound to come in contact with commuters, defying the social distancing regulations. The church leaders further warned that the preachers must desist from preaching along the streets because they would cause people to gather in groups and eventually spread the virus.

Warning

Pastor Ntokozo Lukhele said ever since the warning was issued, most bus operators no longer allow him to preach in the public vehicles. However, he said where operators open their doors; he continues to use the opportunity. 

He said whenever he spots a group of people, either in a queue or just waiting for service he springs to action. 

Lukhele said he always wears a face mask and observes a safe social distance to those he preaches to.

Asked if he was not scared of being arrested, he said: “I’m not the type of person who is easily frightened when confronted. 

Even if I can get arrested, I’m not afraid because Jesus warned us that we would be arrested and subjected to abuse for the gospel,” he said. 

Archdeacon Bheki Magongo of the Council of Churches said some bus rank preachers had been spotted not properly wearing masks. “Also, the movement in between people does endanger passengers, those around you and yourself and inturn, places  your family and their families at risk,” he said.

 Pity

The archdeacon said it was a pity that all this was happening in the name of preaching the word of God.

“God expects us to be responsible and protect life not endanger life. Those marshalling ranks and public transport operators have a duty to protect customers, they must therefore apply the COVID-19 Regulations and follow Health Protocols,” he said. Archdeacon Magongo said law enforcement agencies were positioned to see to it that the law is followed to the later.

“We condemn such behaviour which is done in the name of God that puts God’s people at risk. We plead with those pastors or evangelists to desist from such behaviour until things are declared normal by government at the advice of the Ministry of Health,” Rev Magongo said.

Meanwhile, Police Deputy Information and Communications Officer Inspector Nosipho Mnguni said the police cannot arrest the pastors if they are not convinced that they have broken any law.

“If the pastors are wearing face masks and are preaching in the street, we see nothing that can make us arrest them, unless they start breaking the law,” he said.

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