Pastor fined: Church service interupted as JMPD serves a fine
Pastor Aguedo Da Cunha had a shock on Sunday morning September 14 when he was in his church and was called out by two Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers.
LA ROCHELLE – The service in the Portuguese Evangelical Church, situated at 40 3rd Street, La Rochelle, began at 09:00 and at about 09:20 the pastor was interrupted by one of his usher’s.
“I was stood at the pulpit getting ready to deliver my sermon when one of my ushers came and told me I was wanted outside by the police. Why they couldn’t have waited until the service was over to see me I don’t know but I’m sure they could have made time.
“Apparently the two officers had spoken to the usher and told him they needed to speak to someone higher up than him about a fine,” said Pastor Da Cunha.
“I couldn’t believe that I’d been asked to leave my church to accept a fine of R1 000 for having a few posters stuck on our church walls!
“The officers informed me I’d contravened the act of erecting a poster that is applied by means of adhesive onto any private or council property. The fine was given to me personally in my name, not even the church’s name.
“We bought the church and grounds many years ago, and seeing that it’s our church and land I don’t see what the problem is if we put up Christian posters.
“Apparently they told me it’s a new law and I wasn’t even given a warning, just the fine to pay,” said an astounded Pastor Da Cunha.
“The church runs a feeding scheme every week day and R1 000 will go a long way in buying bread, jam, tea and milk. “We are doing God’s work and it’s a disgrace. I’m very upset,” the pastor added.
In conclusion, Pastor Da Cunha said, “Trying to serve the Lord obviously means nothing to JMPD.”
If you would like to contact Pastor Da Cunha, phone 082 957 1471.
