ICC Note: Kenya’s government is reportedly considering measures that would force church’s to register as religious organizations and would require religious leaders to get background checks. Christian denominations in Kenya appear mixed in their reaction towards the proposals. One the one hand, some fear these potential measures represent a crackdown on religious freedom in the country. However, others say they appreciate the government’s attempt to stop the commercialization of religion and the dangers of the so-called “prosperity gospel.”

1/12/16 Kenya (BBC) – Kenya’s evangelical churches have condemned government plans to make it tougher for religious bodies and clerics from all faiths to operate.

The move was aimed at stopping the growth of evangelical churches, said the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya.

But a leading Anglican cleric welcomed the proposals as an attempt to end the “commercialisation” of religion.

The proposals require all religious bodies to register, and for preachers to have police clearance.

All religious institutions would also be required to submit their statements of faith to a government-backed body for examination.

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