CHRISTIANS TO BE CHARGED FOR LOITERING AT EASTER SERVICES

MBABANE – Christians found loitering around Somhlolo National Stadium and Lobamba National Church during next week’s Easter services will be charged.

This was said by Chairman of the League of Churches, Bishop Samson Hlatjwako, on national radio yesterday.
The national services will begin on April 18 (Good Friday) until April 22 (Easter Monday).

The rationale behind taking action against loitering Christians is centred on the need to respect His Majesty King Mswati III and the royal family, who will grace the services.

Plea

“It is our plea to the Christian fraternity that no one should be seen outside the national church or stadium. The Royal Swaziland Police will be assisting us, so if they find you outside you will be charged accordingly. We have to respect royalty and be inside these venues until the end of the services,” explained Hlatjwako.

He elaborated in another radio programme ‘Nawe uliphoyisa’ that in previous services, many Christians remained outside while the services were ongoing, and this did not go down well with His Majesty. He wondered why those who loitered around, perhaps in search for food, could not wait until the service was over.

“Look, we go to church services on Sundays starting from 10am to 1pm or 2pm and are able to be patient with our hunger to the end. So why do we get so hungry that we can’t exercise the same patience during the Easter services? This year we don’t want to see anyone outside,” affirmed the chairman. 

He even discouraged Christians from taking too much time meeting and greeting prior to the start of the services.
The leaders of the churches where the loitering Christians attend will also not be spared – they will have to take flak for their flock.

Easter services at Somhlolo and the National Church attract thousands of Christians, predominantly from the Zion and Jericho Church denominations.
Meanwhile, Hlatjwako mentioned that preparatory meetings with church leaders for the services will begin from April 15 to 17.

Meetings with church leaders who will be delivering sermons and also choirs that will render songs began yesterday at Nkhanini. This is where the programme will be put together. Furthermore, the Conference of Churches and Council of Churches were expected to submit the names of pastors who will preach on Good Friday.

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