Nairobi News

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City Church faces closure


Hundreds of Christians might have to get an alternative place of worship as their church faces imminent deregistration.

Though the Jesus Cares Centre Ministry International (JCCMI) faithful are still assembling for prayers at what they have called church since it received its registration certificate on September 30, 2010, it could only be a matter of time before they vacate.

Complaints by officials

Justice Judge David Majanja breathed temporary life into the church when he suspended a decision by the Registrar of Societies to deregister the church, pending hearing and determination of the case.

Bishop Thomas Tsuma Kakala said JCCMI founder members had met in 2009, deliberated on its formation and chose the church’s name, adding that they followed the due process of registration.

“Upon being officially registered, JCCMI embarked on spreading the Lord’s ministry and this meant recruitment of members, appointing officials and setting the necessary structures including opening bank accounts,” said Bishop Tsuma in his court papers.

The church also established branches throughout the country. The branches are semi-autonomous with their own committees and accounts.

However, in May 2013, JCCMI received a letter addressed to its secretary and signed by the Deputy Registrar of Societies Joseph Onyango, cancelling its registration.

One of the reasons given was that Jesus Care Centre was actually a branch of Redeemed Gospel Church based in Malindi.

JCCMI has sued the Registrar of Societies, Deputy Registrar of Societies, Attorney General and Redeemed Gospel Church.

Redeemed Gospel Church has been sued due to the fact that de-registration of JCCMI has been justified by complaints raised by officials of the Redeemed Gospel Church International.

Justice Majanja certified the application as urgent and directed that it be served on the four respondents who are expected to file their court papers before the next mention date.

JCCMI objectives include spreading the gospel and establishing churches. Others are helping widows, orphans and street families and starting community welfare and social activities.