Politics has no place in the sacredness of the church – Prof Kunle Macaulay

Professor Kunle Macaulay, a renowned Christian leader and theological expert widely known as the Father of Theology in Africa, has cautioned politicians against using churches to seek political favour, urging religious leaders to protect the sanctity of their institutions from partisan interests ahead of elections.

Macaulay, in a statement sent to PM News on Monday, stressed that churches should remain dedicated to the worship of God, spiritual growth and the fulfilment of their religious responsibilities, rather than becoming platforms for political manoeuvring, personal promotion or the pursuit of political influence.

He expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency to introduce activities and interests that could distract religious institutions from their core mission, citing the increasing emphasis on fashion, entertainment and music in some church settings.

According to him, the church occupies a sacred position in society and should not allow external pressures or the ambitions of political actors to undermine its spiritual purpose.

He particularly warned against situations in which politicians seek the favour of pastors and church leaders through financial inducements, stressing that such practices could compromise the independence of religious institutions and weaken public confidence in their moral authority.

Macaulay urged Christian leaders to exercise caution when engaging with politicians, insisting that religious institutions must maintain their integrity and avoid becoming instruments for advancing political ambitions.

He also called on politicians to respect the independence of the church and refrain from using religious gatherings to pursue personal or electoral interests.

According to him, churches should provide moral guidance, promote spiritual development and encourage values that contribute to a peaceful and responsible society, regardless of the political affiliations of their members.

Beyond his concerns about the relationship between religion and politics, Macaulay criticised the government’s performance, calling for greater attention to the welfare and everyday challenges of Nigerians.

He identified insecurity, unreliable electricity supply, the high cost of education and inadequate access to affordable healthcare as critical issues requiring urgent government intervention.

He maintained that the success of any administration should be measured by its ability to protect citizens, improve access to essential services and create conditions that enable individuals and families to live with dignity.

Macaulay further argued that effective governance required more than political promises, urging public officials to maintain regular engagement with citizens, listen to their concerns and develop practical solutions to the challenges confronting their communities.

He stressed that leaders should remain connected to the people they govern, noting that understanding citizens’ needs was essential to formulating policies that could deliver meaningful improvements in their lives.

The theological expert also cautioned the government against interfering in the affairs of the church, insisting that public officials should concentrate on their constitutional responsibilities while allowing religious institutions to manage their spiritual affairs independently.

He maintained that a clear distinction between political authority and religious responsibility was necessary to preserve the integrity of both institutions.