Bishop Godfrey Migwi of House of Hope Church in Kayole, elicited mixed reactions from all corners after he was recorded welcoming thieves to his church.
The Bishop, who was speaking at a burial in Kiambu is heard quoting the Bible claiming that Paul once told the masses, “I steal from other places so as not to bother you”.
“It is better a thief to steal and run to the church than to steal and go to a witch doctor,” Bishop Migwi is heard stating in a video that emerged online.
He was referring to 2 Corinthians 11:8 whose right wording is, "I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you".
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone, Migwi explained that he wants thieves to visit his church so that he can preach the good news to them in a bid to make them change their ways.
“Just as Jesus sat and ate with Zacchaeus in the book of Mathew and ended up changing him, it is the role of us men of God to take on this challenge of changing these people,” Migwi stated.
The Bishop went on to explain that the war on corruption is not only physical but also psychological as jailing the perpetrators is not enough, they also need spiritual guidance.
“As a church, it is our role to make them see the evils in the work they do and seek repentance. I say this without any fear of contradiction, Let them come to my church,” added the Bishop
When asked about political leaders accused of misuse of public funds in the interview, the bishop did not hesitate to clear the air by announcing that it did not matter what one was accused to have stolen.
“In my church, I welcome everyone, from thieves to prostitutes because I have seen God change others who were worse. That gives me the courage to say that when they come to my church I won't turn anyone away,” Migwi went on to explain.
The bishop expressed his disappointment as he claimed some media outlets and blogs took him out of context by linking his sentiments to Deputy President William Ruto.
Churches have been on the receiving end of a backlash from Kenyans for accepting huge donations from political leaders perceived to be corrupt.
