COVID HITS CHURCHES
Religious leaders cry over reduced moneelo
Botswana Council of Churches (BCC) has expressed worry that churches across the country are struggling to cover operational costs, as they continue to feel the impact of the Covid-19 social distancing restrictions.
Since the initial lockdown in March last year churches were forced to shut down, and when they re-opened, were only allowed to cater for 50 congregants.
God is an omnipotent spiritual force always in existence and the grace of Jesus Christ lives on, but sometimes faith can be pushed to the limits, as without money, it becomes
practically difficult to spread the word of God, uplift souls and remind them of the grace, love and tenderness of the most-high Jehovah.
At most, churches are now reliant on sporadic deposits of tithes from members, and occasional donations.
BCC President Metlhayotlhe Beleme, who is also bishop of the Anglican Church diocese of Botswana, says churches are struggling because congregants attend in smaller numbers, not only out of fear of contracting the corona virus, but also because of restrictions.
Late last year, Government had increased the number to 100, but later reverted to the initial 50. Beleme explained that without the funds from the goodwill of congregants it becomes difficult to cover costs for maintenance and other sundries related to the operations of the church.
“Like any other institution with monthly financial obligations, the church is facing cash flow strains,” he noted.
He also indicated that attempts to get Government to subsidise churches had been a futile exercise as they were taken from pillar to post with no tangible response.
Last year Government also refused to declare pastors and priests as essential service providers and frontline workers during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Since they are exempted from paying tax, churches are often accused of being “business ventures masquerading as non-profit making businesses,” however, the reality is that it costs money to operate a church and keep all its systems in function.
A church insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the practicality is that money is needed for anything.
“It is like in a family – love alone cannot sustain a union; money forms an integral part of family life to ensure that no one goes to bed on an empty stomach, that the costs of shelter and utilities are all covered for.
“Pastors and priests are doing the work of God, but they are human and have material needs – they need to eat, be dressed, pay school fees and enjoy normal life – being men or women of God doesn’t make them exempt from enjoying normal human privileges.”
The source indicated that moneelo (freewill offerings) helps to ensure that the maintenance and utility costs of running the church are paid for, and that priests and pastors get some money for their personal needs.
The source said people shouldn’t assume that being a man or woman of God means that one does not need money.
“We all like and need money because it is the currency in the world that we live in.
I doubt God wants anyone to suffer financially or live in poverty.”
Tshepang Molekane, who has been attending church religiously since the lockdown, noted that beyond the need to financially assist churches in their operations, Botswana needs God more than ever.
“Apart from the Covid-19, we are also faced with grave political and socio-economic issues – people are depressed and sad, life is hard.
“At this point, we need to revive spiritual life – we need the counsel, discipline and guidance of the men and women of God, and we should support them because Churches play an important role in motivating and bringing hope to people, and also encouraging positive values”.