London church fined over noisy 'anti-demon' services at dawn

A church in Camberwell, London has been ordered to pay a fine amounting to £7,740 (US$11,174) after nearby residents complained about its noisy "anti-demon" services at 3 a.m.

People living near The Kingdom Church have complained about a series of noisy services at 3 a.m. which disrupted their sleep. The London-based church's "deliverance services" every Saturday morning aim to help its members identify and combat demonic attacks, according to the Daily Mail.

The 3 a.m. services allegedly offers to deliver people from sickness, "demonic soul ties," and financial problems, The Huffington Post reports.

Aside from that, The Kingdom Church also holds meetings every Friday and Sunday. The Saturday "healing and miracle" services caused the church to be fined for its alleged "anti-social behavior."

On its website, the London church established by Bishop Climate Irungu describes its Saturday dawn services.

"It is a well-known time that witchcraft and negative elements begin to work in the early hours of the morning. Programming yourself to be alert and in prayer at this time sets you on the path to being alert and wise to the wiles of the devil," the church says on its site. "While the witches are busy working their witchcraft you are getting the wisdom of God concerning their demonic operations."

On Feb. 22, the Camberwell Magistrates Court fined the church after it was found guilty of two charges under the Environmental Protection Act. Southwark councilor Michael Situ said they had wanted to settle the problem outside of court, but the church leaders ignored their efforts.

In an interview with Southwark News, Bishop Irungu said they will appeal against the fine because it is a big amount. While he acknowledges the noise they created, he also said they have shelled out £10,000 (US$14,437) in an effort to reduce the noise.

The pastor also argued that the church was established long before the residents settled in the industrial area. He said the flats around them were offices which later on became houses.

Bishop Climate Irungu, who set up The Kingdom Church in London, claims God saved him from being drowned in alcohol, drugs, and gang life.