Christ Embassy head pastor, Chris Oyakhilome has been asked by the South African authorities to produce his financial records; a request which his pastor 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.
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Due to the fact that the Christ Embassy church has branches across the continent, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva is demanding the pastor produce his records so the authorities would have an idea how the church spend 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,” Mkhwanazi-Xaluva said. “Some of these religious leaders will face prison if they do not comply and we have been clear about our course of action.”
After Oyakhilome refused to provide these records, Mkhwanazi-Xaluva responded by saying, "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.”