By KPC Reporter
The West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has suspended all harambees and fundraising activities conducted on the Sabbath across its churches, institutions, fields and conferences with immediate effect.
In a presidential circular, WKUC President and Communication Director Pr. Samuel Misiani said the decision followed consultations by the Union leadership and was intended to safeguard the sacredness of Sabbath worship.
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The directive applies to all pastors, elders, church leaders and institutions within the Union’s territory.
“The leadership of the West Kenya Union Conference, after careful consultation, has resolved to suspend, with immediate effect, all Harambee and fundraising activities conducted on the Sabbath,” the circular states.
According to the church, fundraising activities held during worship services have increasingly distracted congregants from the spiritual purpose of the Sabbath.
“Fundraising activities conducted during worship services often disrupt the spirit of reverence for God and divert minds from the sacred purpose of the Sabbath,” Misiani said.
The Union emphasised that Sabbath services should remain centred on worship, fellowship and spiritual renewal.
“As a people called to honour God’s holy day, we must ensure that our worship services remain focused on spiritual renewal, fellowship, and communion with Him,” the circular adds.
Under the new directive, all fundraising activities for church development, institutional projects or any other cause must now be organised on Sundays or other appropriate days outside Sabbath hours.
The circular further directs conference, field, institutional, district and local church leaders to ensure strict compliance, warning that any pastor or church leader who permits or facilitates fundraising during the Sabbath “shall bear personal accountability for such actions.”
The Seventh-day Adventist Church traditionally observes the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, dedicating the period to worship, rest and ministry.
While fundraising drives and harambees have long been common in many Kenyan churches to support development projects, the WKUC leadership says such activities should not interrupt Sabbath worship.
Misiani urged church leaders and members to support the move as part of preserving biblical principles.
“We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Sabbath. Let us continue to support the mission and development of the Church in ways that uphold biblical principles and maintain the spirit of true worship.”
The directive is expected to require churches under the West Kenya Union Conference to adjust their fundraising calendars by moving Sabbath harambees and appeals to non-Sabbath days.
