OPINION: Watoto Church’s Treatment of Widowed Pastor Smacks of Cruelty, Not Christian Compassion

In a move that has sparked outrage among many believers, Watoto Church has dismissed one of its pastors after revelations he had a sexual relationship with a member of his congregation.

But let’s take a breath — and look at the facts. This was not a case of infidelity, deceit, or predatory behaviour. The pastor in question is a widower, having lost his wife just a year ago. There was no coercion, no abuse of power alleged — just two consenting adults choosing to share an intimate relationship.

In Pentecostal tradition, pastors are not monks bound to celibacy. Marriage is celebrated, relationships are allowed, and scripture itself acknowledges that leaders are human beings with emotional and physical needs. The man was married before — a living testament that the pulpit does not strip away one’s humanity.

Instead of recognising his grief, loneliness, and need for companionship, the church has chosen to humiliate and discard him. Where is the compassion that the Bible demands? Where is the pastoral care for one of their own?

By all means, maintain moral standards. But let’s not twist those standards into a rod for punishing the lonely, the grieving, and the human. The decision to sack him reeks of image management, not genuine concern for the spiritual health of the flock.

If the church truly believes in restoration, then it should have extended a hand of support, not slammed the door shut. Watoto’s reaction risks sending the message that pastors are not allowed to be human — and that is a dangerous precedent for any faith community.