Chris Oyakhilome Under Investigation In South Africa for ‘Commercialization Of Religion’

South African authorities have ordered Christ Embassy head pastor, Chris Oyakhilome, to tender the church’s financial records, a request he denied.

The South African Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, headed by Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, is investigating the commercialisation of religion and the abuse of people’s beliefs within South Africa.

Christ Embassy has many branches in the country, and Mkhwanazi-Xaluva is demanding the financial records to know how the church spends the money it makes.

All churches in the country are required to now submit their ordination certificate, the church registration certificate, bank statements and the annual financial statements dating from 2012. “These people take money from people. What are they doing with that money? We want to know. We will not back down,” she said. “Some of these religious leaders will face prison if they do not comply and we have been clear about our course of action.” In response to Oyakhilome’s refusal to submit his financial records, she said: “If he intends on that route, we are ready.

He will have to face the same fate as the others who refuse to hand over their financial records,” she said.“Some religious leaders have also threatened the commission, which is leading us towards the legal route.”

Mr. Oyakhilome, the founder of Christ Embassy, had indicated he would take a legal action to stop the commission from forcing it to open his books, according to Ms. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva.

Christ Embassy had earlier sought an extension of time to enable it review its financial records.

Ms. Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said they were also considering filing charges of intimidation against religious leaders who had publicly threatened the commission.

Earlier this month, a South African pastor, Paseka Motsoeneng, ‎told the commission he would rather go to jail than hand over his financial records.Mr. Motsoeneng (popularly known as Mboro), the head of Incredible Happenings Church, is known in the country for his healings and miracles.“Now the headlines will be saying ‎Mboro has R10 million in his account…. I have enemies.

Now they will know my strength and weakness… I want to protect myself, my church and my ministry so I have to look and consult thoroughly with my lawyers,” he said.“For my belief, I will be glad to go to jail. Even now, I can be taken there.”

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