The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Mumias Diocese has banned burials on weekends citing interference by politicians.
Mumias ACK Bishop Joseph Wandera announced the decision Thursday saying the diocese will not conduct mass, liturgy and burials on Saturdays and Sundays in all its 43 parishes.
He said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with the laity and clergy throughout the diocese.
“We recognise and appreciate our political leaders but we have been getting interference from politicians and funerals have been losing religious value as they are turned into political rallies. We shall continue recognising them but we shall not allow them take over our burial services,” Bishop Wandera said.
“The synod meeting in Nambale, Busia County passed a ban that is necessary for a number of reasons, particularly the bloated activities taking place during weekends. Priests and pastors need time to attend to other functions like weddings, fellowships and even to prepare Sunday summons and rest.”
“No priest is allowed to preside over funerals on Saturday or Sunday. We want to make our burials better and dedicate the services to God just like any other church service and stop interruptions we have been experiencing in some events,” Wandera said.
Other ACK dioceses in the country that have banned weekend funerals are Mt Kenya, South Nyanza, Maseno North and Nambale.
