A High Court judge has called for the enactment of laws that make it mandatory for founders of new churches to be holders of at least certificates in theology to curb abuses perpetrated by bogus religious leaders.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva said that there should be strict requirements for the formation of new churches to eradicate cases of child sexual abuse and early child marriages.
He was speaking during the official opening of the 2023 Legal Year on Monday. The Chronicle quoted Justice Takuva as saying:
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.
The new law may provide for the requirements for the registration of a new religious organisation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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