Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
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| His Eminence John Cardinal Njue |
Kenya’s prelate John Cardinal Njue has warned against some upcoming groups in Nairobi Archdiocese which seem to bear “characteristic of a cult” and are “reinforcing cultural traditions and practices” on the people.
In a letter addressed to the clergy, the Religious, Christians and all people of good will in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, the Cardinal has said it is a “pastoral concern” that needs to be addressed to avoid confusing Christians about their faith.
According to the Prelate, a committee has investigated and scrutinized the existence of the said groups and how their activities are affecting the people of God.
“As your shepherd and taking in mind that this is a serious pastoral concern, I appointed a committee within the presbyteral council whose mandate was to investigate and give a report on the origin, objectives, extent of operations and effects of the group on individual Christians, families, the Church and the society at large within the Archdiocese of Nairobi,” reads an excerpt of the letter which was read in all parishes within the Archdiocese on Sunday, March 8.
Findings of those who did the investigations revealed that “there is a group calling itself “Gwata Ndai” and another group whose name is not yet known but has characteristics similar to those of Gwata Ndai.”
“The groups claim to be advocating for cultural renaissance through reinforcing of cultural traditions and practices, men empowerment and reinstating the traditional way of worship,” the four paged letter highlighted and explained further, “These groups bear characteristics of a cult and use tactics of instilling fear in order to inculcate their doctrines and enforce their practices upon individuals.”
“Numerous cases of family disintegration and conflicts, and of emotional and psychological imbalances especially upon children and women have been reported (and) there are also many reported cases of individual Christians defecting from the small Christian communities, ecclesial groups and from the church in order to embrace the teachings and practices of the said groups,” the letter disclosed.
Underscoring some teachings by the said groups Cardinal Njue said, “The teachings of these groups include some retrogressive practices such as female circumcision, male chauvinism and subjugation of women.”
The prelate admitted that proclamation of the Word of God requires harmonization of Christian and cultural values so as to have effective evangelization saying, “My dear people of God, we must always acknowledge that evangelization must enter into dialogue with culture if it is to produce any effects on human beings,” but emphasized, “We must hold dear our Christian values as well as our positive cultural heritage.”
“It is time for all Christians to realize that they can preserve and glorify their past (i.e., culture) without reverting to it,” Cardinal Njue said.
He encouraged the Christians to observe the Church’s teachings and keep off from what is against the Gospel saying, “I exhort you to always remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and of His Church. We need to avoid the danger of syncretism, i.e., mixing faith with some of the cultural beliefs that are not in line with the Church's teaching (and) we also need to avoid the danger of idolatry.”
“Finally, for you my dear Priests, remember that you are the agents of evangelization. As such, ensure that there is thorough catechetical instructions for the people of God. In a special way, accompany the children and young people and enhance good cultural formation for all the faithful,” the Cardinal said and added.