The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued five sermon guides from 10 bible verses that oppose the Finance Bill 2024 after outrage from Gen Zs.
In a statement, the NCCK noted that the bill has drawn significant public attention and debate, with the youth actively leading the resistance against its harsh taxation provisions.
The council said it has been vocal in demanding changes to the problematic sections of the bill, but their message has not been heeded.
“Kenyans across board feel that the church could do more and not be silent when injustice is being enacted by Parliament,” read part of the statement.
“Having presumed memoranda to Members of Parliament, it is now prudent that we take the message of peace and justice to the church platforms, primarily the pulpit.”
By sharing these sermons, the NCCK and its member churches aim to contribute to justice, peace, resilience, and the sustainability of the nation and make people’s voices be heard in the Finance Bill.
NCCK Shares Sermon Guidelines Amid Anti-Finance Bill Protests
The first theme issued was “Enhancing Productivity,” with the church leaders referencing Isaiah 35:3-4 and Proverbs 24:27.
According to the NCCK, the primary purpose of government and social structures is to provide hope and opportunities for people to build their lives and be productive.
The church questioned if the Bill promotes productivity when it increases taxes through the Eco Levy, Excise Duties, and taxing creative arts and other hustles.
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The second message focused on “Being Fair in Taxation,” with the clergy citing 1 Timothy 6:10, Luke 16:13 and Nehemiah 6:3-4.
NCCK said the Bible warns believers against the love of money which does not only affect individuals but also societies and governments.
They questioned whether the government of Kenya is exhibiting an uncontrolled love of money by proposing a Finance Bill that primarily focuses on increasing taxes to generate more revenue for the government.
Churches Cite Bible Verses Opposing Finance Bill 2024
Additionally, the ministers of God’s word shared a third theme on “Being Just When Making Laws and Policies,” with quotes from Isaiah 10:1-3 and Matthew 23:23.
The key message was that God expects every leader to practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness, a standard that the NCCK questioned whether the Finance Bill 2024 meets.
They raised questions on whether there is justice when the bill proposes to deny Kenyans their right to privacy, entrenches the Affordable Housing Levy, and introduces taxes on transporting of sugarcane.
Also, they stated that there is no justice if Kenyans are punished with new taxes just because they own motor vehicles, and when the prices of basic commodities, including bread, diapers, sanitary pads, and packaging materials go up.
Message four was about “making life easier, not harder” citing Ezekiel 34: 18 and Matthew 23:4.
The churches criticized the increase in taxes on money transfer services, stating it places a heavy burden on people trying to manage their limited resources.
Furthermore, it highlighted that higher data costs would hinder young people trying to find jobs online
The last theme, titled “Listen, Else You Destroy the Nation,” referenced 1 Kings 12:1-16. The NCCK emphasized the need for the government, especially His Excellency the President, to listen to the people.
The council highlighted that people are enduring difficult times and are voicing their concerns adding that ignoring these voices can be very costly and can lead to the destruction of nations.
Therefore, the church is urging Parliament to reject the current Finance Bill 2024 and instruct the Treasury to draft a new bill focused on improving the welfare and livelihoods of the Kenyan people.
Also Read: Finance Bill Passes Crucial Stage After Voting by MPs
EAK Issues Advisory to Churches
Elsewhere, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) issued advisories to church leaders amidst concerns that protests could escalate nationwide in the coming days.
They urged churches to maintain calmness as ministers of God’s grace and peace.
Additionally, EAK advised church leaders to allocate time for praying for the country, aligning with the scriptures from 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
They emphasized the importance of upholding the sanctity of the pulpit by refraining from allowing politicians to discuss politics during church services.
Furthermore, clergy members were urged to pray for church leadership, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom as they fulfill their prophetic role in leading the nation.
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