A Catholic Priest has been suspended for one year in Kenya for rapping in church as a way of preaching the gospel.
The Catholic Priest, Father Paul Ogola of St Monica Catholic Church in Rapogi, Migori County, south-west of Nairobi, Kenya, was accused of misconduct by the Homa Bay Diocese. Fr Charles Kochiel, the suspension was later confirmed by judicial vicar of the inter-diocesan tribunal of Kisumu.
In response to his suspension, Father Paul Ogola claimed that he employed rap has another method of preaching so as to encourage youths to come to church saying “I use the rap music to bring youths to the church. Thereafter, I bring them to Christ,”
Bishop Philip Anyolo, who heads the Homa Bay Diocese, said the priest has been suspended from public liturgical activities.
“The sacred and the secular could not mix,” added Bishop Philip Anyolo, of the Homa Bay Diocese in western Kenya.
But the bishop insisted Father Ogallo could use rap and drama to preach to young people – “just not from the altar,” said Bishop Anyolo
After mass, Father Ogallo would change from his priest’s robes into his rapper’s outfit of T-shirt and bandana.
Explaining his alter ego, he told the BBC last month: “Young people call me ‘Sweet Paul’ because I rap sweet”.
He said he adopted his unconventional style because he wanted young people to be entertained safely at the church, instead of at unsafe venues.
An incident in 2004 when three young people were trampled to death at a music event in Nairobi was the trigger, he added.
The priest, who was suspended last month, now has a year to think about the seriousness of life as a clergyman, Bishop Anyolo said.
His suspension means he cannot be the main priest during public mass or administer Holy Communion, but is allowed to lead private mass.
Father Ogallo has not commented on his suspension. BBC reported.
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