BULAWAYO High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva last month said there was need for the enactment of laws compelling church founders to be certified in theology before they could set up churches as a means to curb sexual abuse and early child marriages by bogus religious leaders. Speaking during the official opening of the 2023 legal year.
Justice Takuva said there was need for a law on religious freedom and worship, with provisions to contain some of the excesses done by some churches and their leaders.
“The legislature, in my view, should consider introducing a draft law on religious freedoms and worship to discipline some behaviour and excesses of certain religious denominations,” he said.
“The new law may provide for the requirements for the registration of a new religious organisation.” Justice Takuva said it was essential for church founders and leaders to have some theological qualification before they could be allowed to start or lead a church.
“It would be of some assistance in my view to have as a requirement for the establishment of a new church, that its leaders must at least hold a certificate in theology,” he said. “The question then becomes whether or not it is desirable for the State to regulate the activities of certain religious groups and churches in this country.”
Justice Takuva said government intervention in church operations was necessary particularly in cases where churches engaged in dubious practices that were also a breach of the law.
“In my view, the State should step in to regulate the activities of those religious groups or institutions with obscure purposes, for example, those which promote child marriages and child sexual abuse,” he said.
Some churches, especially white garment religious sects, have been accused of abetting the sexual exploitation of young women by turning a blind eye to early child marriages. Early child marriages are prohibited in the country in terms of the law and the new Marriages Act.
