JOINT STATEMENT BY CHRISTIAN LEADERS OF MAINSTREAM CHURCHES IN KENYA
Easter Message of Hope
“…Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
We, the Leaders of mainstream Christian churches in Kenya, meeting here at the All Saints Cathedral-Nairobi, on this 14th day of April 2014, have reflected deeply about the State of the nation as we begin the Holy week and Easter period .
We are aware that our country is at a critical stage just one year after the general elections under the new constitution, and particularly disturbed about several issues which must be handled urgently.
1. Insecurity
As religious leaders, we are perplexed and dismayed by the rising insecurity and terrorist attacks especially targeted at innocent Kenyans and Christians in their places of worship. The influx of guns and other dangerous weapons into the country is very alarming. We appreciate the efforts of the security forces, and realize several have lost their lives in the efforts of restoring order.
However there seems to be reluctance and lack of vigilance in some security personnel causing illegal arms to increase and criminal elements to operate freely in our country. Although we acknowledge the determination on the part of government in the fight against terrorism, we call upon the security agencies to handle the ongoing operation in a humane manner; the dignity of life should at all times remain a priority.
The current operation must not be seen as targeting any religion, tribe or nationality but aimed at fighting terrorism and other forms of crime. In this regard, we call upon the Government to expand the on-going operation to include other facets of insecurity such as armed robbery, cattle rustling, extermination of wildlife, rape, kidnappings and petty crimes. It must address the link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the direct link between rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime.
We are aware that behind every illegal immigrant stands a corrupt or negligent government official; and behind every illegal firearm there lies a tale of corruption and negligence. It is all clear that the high number of unemployed youth is fertile ground for terror groups to recruit. We cannot stand aside as so many lives continue to be lost. We urge the President and all relevant government agencies to intensify their ongoing efforts and ensure a safe country for us and future generations.
We urge you fellow Kenyans to be vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. We further appeal to all leaders to refrain from utterances that may divide people along religious, political, or ethnic lines.
2. Education
In this regard, we, the mainstream Christian Church leaders, who are major stakeholders in the education sector, wish to revisit our earlier sentiments on the Education Act 2013 which undermines our role in the schools we sponsor. For a long time, our schools have strived to inculcate values that promote national cohesion and good citizenly.
However in its current form, certain provisions of the Education Act 2013 have stripped us of our rightful position to oversee the management of sponsored public schools. We have since made proposals on how to rectify these unacceptable provisions. These include participation in the management, administration and ownership of these schools.
The menace of alcohol, drug abuse and high levels of violence amongst other vices in learning institutions calls for an increased role of faith-based organizations in the management of these institutions. Recent happenings have taught us that our children don’t just go to school to get education but holistic formation which determines what type of citizens they grow to become. We must therefore strengthen the role of churches in schools to ensure our educational institutions bring out responsible, God fearing citizens.
3. Corruption and other Challenges in the New Constitution
Our dear Kenyans, we are aware of the challenges facing the implementation of the new constitution having listened to the debate on the soaring wage bill and other challenges at the national and county government. We acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring services and resources closer to the people since independence.
We however recognise and lament that corruption seems to also have been devolved and a noble ides risks being hijacked by selfish individuals. It is sad that incessant power plays, and fight over control of resources between parliament, Senate, Governors and County Assemblies seems to be sapping all energies from delivering services to Kenyans. We call for a united front against corruption in the central and county government, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and power games and concentrate on service delivery. We wish to inform Kenyans that we are consulting amongst ourselves and will soon make our stand known on the several governance challenges facing the central government and the counties.
4. Praying for Peace During Easter
Finally, our dear Christians and all Kenyans, as we begin the Holy week and the Easter period, we urge you to continue praying for a peaceful prosperous country and unity for a better tomorrow. We appeal to drivers and all road users to exercise prudence and caution during this Easter period and always. Far too many Kenyans continue to lose their lives in avoidable accidents. Despite the weighty issues that we are facing, the Eastertide presents us with a renewed hope of what the future holds.
As we celebrate Easter, may the passion and resurrection of Christ bring us lasting peace, love and unity in a country founded on Christian values and respect for God.
We echo the prayer of our national anthem;
However there seems to be reluctance and lack of vigilance in some security personnel causing illegal arms to increase and criminal elements to operate freely in our country. Although we acknowledge the determination on the part of government in the fight against terrorism, we call upon the security agencies to handle the ongoing operation in a humane manner; the dignity of life should at all times remain a priority.
The current operation must not be seen as targeting any religion, tribe or nationality but aimed at fighting terrorism and other forms of crime. In this regard, we call upon the Government to expand the on-going operation to include other facets of insecurity such as armed robbery, cattle rustling, extermination of wildlife, rape, kidnappings and petty crimes. It must address the link between corruption, illegal guns and immigrants; the direct link between rising poverty levels, unemployment and increase in crime.
We are aware that behind every illegal immigrant stands a corrupt or negligent government official; and behind every illegal firearm there lies a tale of corruption and negligence. It is all clear that the high number of unemployed youth is fertile ground for terror groups to recruit. We cannot stand aside as so many lives continue to be lost. We urge the President and all relevant government agencies to intensify their ongoing efforts and ensure a safe country for us and future generations.
We urge you fellow Kenyans to be vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. We further appeal to all leaders to refrain from utterances that may divide people along religious, political, or ethnic lines.
2. Education
In this regard, we, the mainstream Christian Church leaders, who are major stakeholders in the education sector, wish to revisit our earlier sentiments on the Education Act 2013 which undermines our role in the schools we sponsor. For a long time, our schools have strived to inculcate values that promote national cohesion and good citizenly.
However in its current form, certain provisions of the Education Act 2013 have stripped us of our rightful position to oversee the management of sponsored public schools. We have since made proposals on how to rectify these unacceptable provisions. These include participation in the management, administration and ownership of these schools.
The menace of alcohol, drug abuse and high levels of violence amongst other vices in learning institutions calls for an increased role of faith-based organizations in the management of these institutions. Recent happenings have taught us that our children don’t just go to school to get education but holistic formation which determines what type of citizens they grow to become. We must therefore strengthen the role of churches in schools to ensure our educational institutions bring out responsible, God fearing citizens.
3. Corruption and other Challenges in the New Constitution
Our dear Kenyans, we are aware of the challenges facing the implementation of the new constitution having listened to the debate on the soaring wage bill and other challenges at the national and county government. We acknowledge devolution as one of the boldest moves to bring services and resources closer to the people since independence.
We however recognise and lament that corruption seems to also have been devolved and a noble ides risks being hijacked by selfish individuals. It is sad that incessant power plays, and fight over control of resources between parliament, Senate, Governors and County Assemblies seems to be sapping all energies from delivering services to Kenyans. We call for a united front against corruption in the central and county government, and urge all elected leaders to drop side shows and power games and concentrate on service delivery. We wish to inform Kenyans that we are consulting amongst ourselves and will soon make our stand known on the several governance challenges facing the central government and the counties.
4. Praying for Peace During Easter
Finally, our dear Christians and all Kenyans, as we begin the Holy week and the Easter period, we urge you to continue praying for a peaceful prosperous country and unity for a better tomorrow. We appeal to drivers and all road users to exercise prudence and caution during this Easter period and always. Far too many Kenyans continue to lose their lives in avoidable accidents. Despite the weighty issues that we are facing, the Eastertide presents us with a renewed hope of what the future holds.
As we celebrate Easter, may the passion and resurrection of Christ bring us lasting peace, love and unity in a country founded on Christian values and respect for God.
We echo the prayer of our national anthem;
O God of all Creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
Plenty be found within our borders
Justice be our shield and defender
Plenty be found within our borders
God Bless Kenya
Signed on this 14thday of April 2014, at All Saints Cathedral Nairobi
1. His Eminence, John Cardinal Njue
Chairman, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops
2. The Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya
3. Rev. Dr. Joseph Ntombura Mwaine
Presiding Bishop-Methodist Church in Kenya
4. Rt. Rev. David Riitho Gathanju,
Moderator of the General Assembly,
Presbyterian Church of East Africa
Presbyterian Church of East Africa
5. Rev. Dr. Charles Kibicho
Representative- National Council of Churches of Kenya