Fake Pastors

By now, you'll have noted that I blog on almost any interesting topic from East African Media. The other day I ran into this article posted in Uganda's New Vision Newspaper. It would be easier for me to provide you with a link and send you there but I know you value having a discussion. So let go through it: My comments in red.

By Herbert Ssempogo
THE Police have opened a general inquiry file on fake pastors countrywide. Announcing the move, Police spokesman Asan Kasingye on Friday called on people to use the opportunity to report dubious pastors. Every person with a complaint against a particular pastor can come to us and give us information, he appealed, while addressing a news conference at the Police headquarters in Kampala. The Police open a general inquiry file when there are several complaints about an issue from members of the public. We open the file in absence of a particular complainant so that we can confirm the allegations and also find a way forward, Kasingye explained. The Acting Commissioner (crime), Elly Womanya, who is stationed at the CID headquarters at Kibuli in Kampala, will receive all complaints.

Since there are no standards for establishing a church, anyone can start one. And once you start a church, the benefits are tangible. It is not surprising therefore that some pastors are not real pastors, but petty con men abusing the special privileges afforded to the clergy. I don't know of any other profession which is quite easy to fake as pastor-hood. By adopting a reverential demeanor, cultivating a spiritual voice, slipping occasional words like "eschatology" into conversation....they become trusted, without any questions asked, as stewards of the mysteries. It takes only a hint here and a gesture there, an empathetic sigh, or a compassionate touch to convey that they are at home and expert in these deep matters.

The media has lately been awash with reports about the activities of pastors, many of which border on crime. The Sunday Vision over three weeks this month serialised the activities of pastors who coerce their flock into sowing their valuables in exchange for blessings from God. Several people have alleged that pastors take their vehicles and land titles with promises that they will cure them of HIV/AIDS, among other miracles.

Nobody wants God's wrath on them! One would rather comply with the said promises. The self-made "Pastors" trying to sound spiritual, claim they are led by God to tell you what you want to hear.

If someone reports to us that they have been threatened or intimidated, we shall take action, Kasingye warned. He cited embattled Pastor Obiri Yeboah Kojo, who last week asked Pastor Samuel Kakande of the Synagogue Church Of All Nations to apologise to him or face God's power within 60 days. The Police are investigating Kojo over allegations of importing a device designed to give electric shocks, but Kojo accuses Kakande of framing him.

A device designed to give electric shocks? Come on! Oh! that's why many fall by the power? Can you imagine at what lengths fake pastors will go to lure you in?

Kasingye also said Pastor Grace Kitaka, who is accused of sodomising Julius Lukyamuzi, had been interrogated. Meanwhile, it emerged that Kojo is not wanted by the police in Ghana. The Police had early in the week warned that Kojo would be extradited over allegedly defrauding a woman of the equivalent of sh17m. Kasigye said the man Ghanian police seek is Alex Yeboah.

Nuff said! I guess you fake it until you make it!
Published on: Saturday, 28th July, 2007

It is very unfortunate that in today's world the use of the title "Pastor" "Mchungaji," "Mtu wa Mungu'" has become a means for ego recognition, income, medical insurance, retirement fund, second marriages, parsonages, and ungodly lifestyles.

Let me also point out that there are real pastors who make our life's journey much like Christ's. To them may the blessings of our Lord be with you, always.