Cananews

Witnessing in Service: The State of the Nation

2011-02-07T11:42:00.004+03:00

We the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission mandated to advocate for good governance, promote peace and committed to eradication of injustice, as guided by the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, do register our concerns as highlighted below:

Implementation of the New Constitution of Kenya
We would like to come out strongly and clearly on respecting and implementing the Constitution. This is the time when the Nation has to be extremely honest and look at truth and justice in the face. Those who have ears have heard the voice of the Kenyan people. We are saying to the Two Principals; His Excellency the President and Honourable Prime Minister, please follow the Constitution and Justice will set you free. In this season and time no single Kenyan is going to accept that a few individuals in the highest office of executive decide the destiny of thirty eight million people. The Chapter on Judiciary says the following: Judicial Authority is derived from the people; vests in the Courts and tribunals established in accordance with this Constitution; and shall be exercised in Courts and other Tribunals- in the people’s name for their common good; and in conformity with this Constitution and the Law. The respect we have on the integrity of the named persons is one thing but however exemplary the individual is, Law and Order must be respected.

Under the new constitution, all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with the constitution. As stakeholders we are greatly concerned by the manner in which the above nominations were conducted. The nominations were not made in the spirit of the new constitution promulgated in 2010.

We emphasize that the law should be followed to the letter such that appointments to public offices shall be made subject to the National Accord and Reconciliation Act and after consultation with the Prime Minister with the approval of the National Assembly without favour or bias.
The executive should take note of the provisions of chapter six on leadership and integrity and the relevant Articles (156, 157, 166 and 228 and Sixth Schedule) on appointment to public offices. We emphasize that “The State President shall be a symbol of National Unity”. The revelations of these nominations are falling short of this great value.

Transitional Justice
Kenya agreed to subject herself to the provisions of the Rome Statute in pursuing justice for the victims and perpetrators of gross human rights violations. In addition, the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission was set up to address historical injustices.

In the recent past, sections of political leadership and government have been applying diversionary tactics to derail the International Criminal Court effort in pursuing justice. This has been characterized by MPs voting for Kenya to withdraw from Rome Statute and government appeal to the AU and IGAD members to support the same. This gesture is not sincere and portrays the politicians’ intention to delay justice, perpetuate the culture of impunity and cronyism.

Similarly, the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission process has been plagued by issues of credibility and inadequate support from government. Furthermore, the current political environment is not conducive for the commission to effectively carry out its mandate.

It is over three months since the tribunal to look into the suitability of the chairperson of the TJRC was set up. However, the tribunal is yet to begin its work and thus negatively affecting the TJRC process. The tribunal therefore should been seen to be working in a transparent and open manner

The commission is currently operating without two of its commissioners who were selected on the basis of their expertise and experience, thus creating a resource vacuum within the TJRC.
We are concerned about the statement taking process which was concluded on Monday. The timing was too short and many have been locked out of the process. We have also received reports of inadequate training of the statement takers, recruitment of ineffective statement takers which will eventually affect the quality of hearings and the final report.

We caution the government to tread carefully on the ICC prosecution process in order to ensure that true justice is accorded especially to the victims of 2007/2008 Post Election Violence. Further, we appeal to the government and politicians to support transitional justice processes.
Internally Displaced Persons are still crying for Justice to be done .

It is regrettable that over three years down the line, we still have Internally Displaced Persons languishing neglected and live in misery, poverty, disease and despair. This strips them of their constitutional right as provided for in Art. 28 of the Constitution of Kenya; that every person has inherent dignity and the right to have that dignity respected and protected. We remind the government that it has the responsibility to ensure that every person has the right to: quality healthcare, adequate housing, reasonable standards of sanitation, sufficient and quality food, water and social security.

Political responsibility
Those with political responsibility must not forget or underestimate the moral dimension of political representation which consists in the commitment to share fully in the destiny of the people of Kenya and to seek solutions to social problems. In this perspective, responsible authority also means authority exercised with those virtues that make it possible to put power into practice as service.

Politicians are now gearing up for the 2012 general elections and this is manifested in the media, public fallouts, political realignments and the stirring of ethnic tension. We are concerned that this focus is selfish, divisive, not in the spirit of reconciliation and does not allow for national healing and cohesion.

The political community must understand that it finds its authentic dimension in its reference to the Kenyan people. It is and should in practice be the unifying organ of Kenyans and not the agents of hatred and violence.

Sanctity of life
The Church sees in every person the living image of God. For this reason the Catholic Church recognizes her fundamental duty to assert the sanctity of human life inherent in every one of us. Recently three Kenyan police officers were suspended and put under investigation after a video that showed them allegedly shooting three unarmed men suspected to be criminals on a busy street of the outskirts of Nairobi was released.

This was followed by several police officers being shot by criminals in different instances. The shootings set off a mixture of reactions including condemnations and praise of the police actions.
We wish to emphasize that the respect for human dignity can in no way be separated from obedience to the principle of social order. It is necessary to consider every neighbour without exception as another self, taking into account first of all his/her life and the means necessary to live in dignity. A just society therefore can become a reality only when it is based on the respect of transcendent reality of the human person.

Conclusion
The Constitution marked the dawn of a new hope. The constitution should be implemented in a way that promotes life, equality, and dignity of every human person in this country. The Catholic Social Teachings also emphasize the same. It is the responsibility of everyone, and in particular those who hold various forms of political, judicial or professional responsibility with regard to others to be the watchful conscience of society and the first to bear witness to civil, social conditions that are worthy of all Kenyans.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God”

Signed:
_________________________
Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth
KEC- Catholic Justice and Peace Commission Chairman
2nd February 2010

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Bishops' Statement: "REMARKS ON CONDOMS ATTRIBUTED TO THE HOLY FATHER, POPE BENEDICT XVI"

2011-01-10T08:59:00.004+03:00

We have witnessed recent reports on comments attributed to The Holy Father, that have been carried in the international and local media, that have misrepresented the remarks of Pope Benedict XVI on the issue of sexual morality and the struggle against the HIV and AIDS infection.

First we would like to clear the air and to clarify to all the people, and to the Catholics, regarding the position of the Church with regard to the use of condoms for the peace of mind and proper guidance.

1. We reiterate and reaffirm that the position of the Catholic Church as regards the use of condoms, both as a means of contraception and as a means of addressing the grave issue of HIV/AIDS infection has not changed and remains as always unacceptable.

2. The media reports have unfairly quoted the Pope out of context and banalized the deeply sensitive medical, moral and pastoral issues of HIV/AIDS and accompaniment of those infected or affected, reducing the discussion on the demands of sexual morality to a mere comment on condoms.

3. The book is question “Light of the World: the Pope, the Church and the Signs of Times. A conversion of Pope Benedict XVI with Peter Seewald” was the result of an interview. It was not written by the Pope even though it expresses his ideas, concerns and sufferings over these years, his pastoral projects and his hopes for the future.

4. To reduce “the entire interview to one phrase removed from its context and from the entirety of Pope Benedict XVI though would be an offence to the Pope’s intelligence and a gratuitous manipulation of his words.”

5. The pope was not speaking g specifically on the morality of condom use, but more generally “about the great questions facing modern theology, the various political events that have always marked relations between States and finally, the themes that often occupy a large part of public debate.”

6. It is important to explain that the morality of human actions always depends on the intentions of the person. It is the way we use things that make the action evil or good. The use of condoms is unacceptable because it is often an external manifestation of the wrong intention of the action, and a distorted view of sexuality.

7. The church and indeed the Holy Father reaffirms that “naturally the Church does not consider condoms as the “authentic and moral solution” to the problem of AIDS.” Rather a true change of heart or conversion that will give the sexuality its human and even supernatural value. We need to appreciate better the gift of sexuality, that humanizes us and when well appreciated remains open to God’s plan.

8. The situation referred to by the media, which quotes an interview made to the Pope by a German journalist, involves the Pope’s judgment on the subjective moral journeying of subjects who are already involved in gravely immoral acts in themselves, specifically in acts of homosexuality and male prostitution, thankfully totally alien to our Kenyan society. HE is not speaking on the morality of the use of condoms, but on something that may be true about the psychological state of those who use them. If such individuals are using condoms to avoid harming another, they may eventually realize that sexual acts between members of the same sex are inherently harmful since they are not in accord with human nature. This in no way condones the use of condoms in itself.

9. The Holy Father brings out an important point, that even those who find themselves deeply entrenched in immoral life, can gradually journey towards a conversion, and acceptance of God’s laws. This journey may have steps which may in themselves not yet include a total submission to God’s law, but rather a step closer to accepting it. However, those acts still remain sinful.

10. The church is always going to be focused on moving people away from immoral acts towards love of Jesus, virtue, and holiness. We can say that the Holy Father clearly did not want to make a point about condoms, but wants to talk about growth in moral sense, which should be a growth towards Jesus. This also applies to those still living in seriously immoral lifestyles, we should strive more and more to focus on the morality of the human actions, and judge rather the action of the human person and not the object used for an immoral action.

11. The church urges those involved in prostitution and other gravely immoral acts or lifestyle to conversion n. While understanding the many unfortunate reasons that often lead to this lifestyle, it does not condone it, and regards it as morally wrong.

12. The church is gravely concerned about the life, the health and the general welfare of those who find themselves in this difficult and painful situation of HIV/AIDS infection. In fact the amount of efforts and resource mobilization by the Catholic Church, both in partnerships with others and on her own, will always be aimed at a search for human and liberating solutions to the pandemic.

13. The problem is really more than just the condom debate. Rather a deeper interior healing, that gives people hope and helps them to rediscover the simplicity and radicalism of the Gospel and Christianity in accompanying to give and reaffirm hope to those infected and to those affected.The church reaffirms her commitment to continue to urge all people to struggle to live good moral lives, which always means great sacrifices, for the “kingdom of God.” The church reaffirms her solidarity with all those suffering from HIV/AIDS. There exists many ways to face up to this situation. Above all the church trusts in the power of Grace and the strength God gives, to positively face the challenges this new situation presents, and with Hope, journey together with all God’s family towards our heavenly homeland.

WE EXPRESS OUR CONCERN AND SOLIDAROTY WITH THESE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND GLESS THEM.

Signed:

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Archbishop of Nairobi
Apostolic Administrator of Ngong
Chairman - Kenya Episcopal Conference

1. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti - Vice Chairman (Kakamega)
2. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth (Kisumu)
3. Most Rev. Boniface Lele (Mombasa)
4. Most Rev. Peter Kairo (Nyeri)
5. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin (Garissa)
6. Rt. Rev. Cornelius K. Arap Korir (Eldoret)
7. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa (Kisii )
8. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (Homa Bay)
9. Rt. Rev Alfred Rotich (Military Ordinariate)
10. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley (Kitale)
11. Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua King’oo (Bungoma)
12. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC (Marsabit)
13. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a- Aux. Bishop (Nairobi)
14. Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC (Isiolo Vicariate)
15. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington (Lodwar)
16. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante (Maralal)
17. Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi (Meru)
18. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro (Nyahururu)
19. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo (Kericho)
20. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde (Machakos)
Apostolic Administrator -Malindi
21. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria (Kitui)
22. Rt. Rev. James Wainaina (Muranga)
23. Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki (Embu)
24. Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia (Nakuru)
25. Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich – Aux. Bishop (Lodwar)

Date November 29, 2010

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“YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES” (ACTS 1:8) TO THE NEW CONSTITUTION

2010-10-22T12:35:00.004+03:00

We the Catholic Justice and Peace Commissioners drawn from all the Catholic Dioceses in Kenya gathered here at Kolping Vocational Training Center - Kilimambogo for our Annual General Meeting from 19th to 22nd October 2010; as a Commission of the Catholic Church mandated to advocate for good governance, promote peace and champion justice in the country, as guided by the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church do register our concerns as highlighted hereunder:

Implementation of the New Constitution of Kenya
We acknowledge the democratic decision exercised by the majority of Kenyans in passing the new Constitution. As a stakeholder we commit ourselves to supporting the process of its implementation.

In pursuit of the above, we are disappointed at the confusion characterizing the interpretation of the New Constitution. This is in regard to areas such as restructuring of the Provincial Administration, the status of Local Authorities, the functions of the County Governments and the functions of the implementing organs (Executive, Parliament and Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution).

Leadership and Integrity
With the promulgation of the New Constitution, Kenyans ushered in a new culture of transparency and accountability. However, we are concerned that the continued culture of impunity among political leadership has not changed, making reference to the following issues; unwillingness of legislators to pay taxes, the kind of horse-trading witnessed in and outside Parliament whereby some leaders accused of corruption and other integrity issues are being protected by their colleagues. There are also unmerited public appointments based on tribalism, nepotism and political affiliation.

Transitional Justice
Kenya agreed to subject herself to the provisions of the Rome Statute in pursuing justice for the victims and perpetrators of gross human rights violations. In addition, the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission was set up to address historical injustices.
However, in the recent past, sections of political leadership have been applying diversionary tactics to derail the International Criminal Court effort in pursuing justice. This has been characterized by politicians inflaming ethnic passions and sympathy as a cover up for their misdeeds. Similarly, the Truth Justice Reconciliation Commission process has been plagued by issues of credibility and inadequate support.

Recommendations
· In implementation of the New Constitution we call for tolerance, understanding and above all, the involvement of all stakeholders. To facilitate a pro active and participatory approach, Kenyans require immediate structured and intensive Civic Education to help them understand the New Laws. As Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, we are prepared to partner with the Government and other stakeholders towards the realization of this noble objective. Civic education on the Constitution should be infused in the school curriculum at all levels.

· Since the New Constitution acknowledges the “Supremacy of the Almighty God” the teaching of religion should be upheld as part of the school curriculum. To effectively do this, we urge the government to recruit more religious education teachers in our schools and forbid tuition on Saturdays and Sundays as a process of implementing the New Laws. At the same time, faith based organizations should articulate their rightful role in inculcating the moral values in the New Constitution.

· With implementation of the New Constitution, future leaders of this country in 2012 should be God fearing, and people of high integrity, high moral standing, and high professionalism. The judges should exercise impartiality and ability to make wise, prudent, timely and balanced judgments, so that Kenya can get rid of pending cases of corruption, (Goldenberg, Anglo Leasing, the sale of Grand Regency), and extra-judicial killings.

· In reference to leadership and integrity, we call upon political leaders and public office holders, to start living the culture of the New Constitution. This requires that Legislators, Judges and other public servants start paying taxes without any further delay. Public appointments should also be based on merit and due process.

· With reference to transitional justice, we exhort the Government to address the issues of credibility and inadequate support plaguing the TJRC process. In the event that the Government fails to do this, we call for the overhaul or disbandment of the Commission. In addition, since the Government has made commitments with International Criminal Court in signing the Rome Statute, the latter should be allowed to fulfill their mandate unhindered.

Conclusion
In conclusion we refer to the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church and note that the tasks accompanying the responsibilities in social and political institutions demand a strict and articulated commitment that is able to demonstrate clearly the absolute necessity of the moral dimension in social and political life through thoughtful contributions to the political debates, planning and chosen actions. Failure to do that, inadequate attention to the moral dimension leads to the dehumanization of life in society and of social and political institutions thereby consolidating “structures of sin”.[1]

Signed by:
Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth
Chairman Catholic Justice and Peace Commission

Date: 21st October, 2010
--------------------------------------
[1] Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Nairobi: Paulines Publications Africa, 2004, pp. 304.

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Pope Benedict XVI implores media on truth

2010-10-07T15:51:00.007+03:00

The media can not be indifferent to the truth.

Addressing participants attending a week long congress on the Catholic Press that concluded on October 7, 2010 in Rome, Italy, His holiness Pope Benedict XVI called on those working in the media to be messegers of truth and hope.

"At a time when more and more people are embracing the new-media especially social networks the church continues to explore ways of maintaining its presence," he said.

The congress that had over 200 media personalities representing the print, the electronic and new media, from 85 countries in the world explored ways in which gospel, while facing the challenges of the time, can be transmitted relevantly using the new media.

Arch Bishop Claudio Maria Celli, President of the Pontifical Council of Social Communications had earlier on said that the church media must help people re-discover God, while offering them hope.

Addressing the congress, he lamented that the Catholic media had lost her prophetic voice. The President hoped that the catholic media would rediscover her prophetic role in her communications mission.

"In a digital world, the church must also present and grow with the new technology and bring all people to God," he said.

The visit to the Holy Father ended with the Pontiff encouraging and blessing those in the Catholic media, and he wished them the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit in their ministry.

Kenya was represented by Fr Martin Wanyoike, Secretary for Communications-Catholic Secretariat; Sr Lucy Lando-Director; Ukweli Video and Ms. Bertina Kanaka-Director of Comunications; Archdiocese of Mombasa.

Catholic media urged to stand for the poor

2010-10-06T14:09:00.007+03:00

The Catholic media must strive to carry the message of truth and goodness for the whole society.

This was said by Cardinal Tarsisio Bertone, Secretary of State of the Vatican as he celebrated mass for the delegates attending the ongoing World Congress of the Catholic Press at the Vatican city on October 6, 2010.

Reminding the participants that they are called to promote a culture of dignity for all humanity, Cardinal Bertone asked the catholic media to lead in advocating for the needs of the poor and the needy in the society.

The mass which was celebrated at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome was at the at start of the third day of the congress which ends on October 7, 2010 with the address of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.

The congress has brought together over 200 media practitioners from 85 countries to discuss the catholic media in the face of developing technology.

Kenya is represented by Fr MartinWanyoike , the Secretary of Communications at the Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC); Sr Lucy Agnes Lando, Director of KEC's Ukweli video productions and Bertina Kanaka, the Archdiocese of Mombasa's communications Director.

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Message for the end of Ramadan 'id al-fitr 1431 H./ 2010 AD'

2010-09-09T10:43:00.003+03:00

Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming violence among followers of different religions

Dear Muslim Friends,
1. Id al-Fitr, which concludes Ramadan, presents, once again, a favourable occasion to convey to you heartfelt wishes of serenity and joy on behalf of the pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

Throughout this month, you have committed yourselves to prayer, fasting, helping the neediest and strengthening relations of family and friendship. God will not fail to reward these efforts!

2. I am delighted to note that believers of other religions, especially Christians are spiritually close to you during these days, as it is testified by the various friendly meetings which often lead to exchanges of a religious nature. It is pleasing to me also to think that this message could be a positive contribution to your reflections.

3. The theme proposed this year by the Pontifical Council, Christians and Muslims: Together in overcoming violence among followers of different religions, is, unfortunately a pressing subject, at least in certain areas of the world. The joint committee for Dialogue instituted by the pontifical Council and Al-Azhar permanent Committee for Dialogue among the Monotheistic Religions had also chosen this topic as a subject of study, reflection and exchange during its last annual meeting (Cairo, 23-February 24, 2010). Permit me to share with you some of the conclusions published at the end of this meeting.

4. There are many causes for violence among believers of different religious traditions, including: manipulation of religion for political or other ends; Discrimination based on ethnicity or religious identity; divisions and social tensions. Ignorance, poverty, underdevelopment are also direct or indirect sources of violence among as well as within religious communities. May the civil and religious authorities offer their contributions in order to remedy so many situations for the sake of common good of all society! May the civil authorities safeguard the primacy of the law by ensuring true justice to put a stop to the authors and promoters of violence.

5. There are also important recommendations given in the above mentioned text: to open our hearts to mutual forgiveness and reconciliation for a peaceful and fruitful co-existence, to recognize what we have in common and to respect differences, as a basis for a culture o dialogue, to recognize and respect the dignity and rights of each human being without any bias related to ethnicity or religious affiliation; necessity to promulgate just laws which guarantee the fundamental equality of all; to recall the importance of education towards respect, dialogue and fraternity in the various educational arenas: at home, in the school, in churches and mosques. Thus we will be able to oppose violence among followers of different religions and promote peace and harmony among the various religious communities. Teaching by religious leaders, as well as school books which present religions in an objective way, have, along with teaching in general, a decisive impact on the education and the formation of younger generations.

6. I hope that these considerations, as well as the responses which they elicit within your communities, and with your Christians friends, will contribute to the continuation of a dialogue, growing in respect and serenity, upon which I call the blessings of God!

Signed:

Jean-Louis Cardinal Tauran –
President, Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue

Archbishop pier Luigi Celata –
Secretary, Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue

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Bishops' Statement: Insecurity In Kenya

2010-06-18T08:28:00.004+03:00

We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is with great shock and disbelief that we, together with the rest of the world, witnessed the ugly scenes that befell our Christian sisters and brothers on the evening of Sunday the 13th 2010, at the Uhuru Park grounds in the Central Business District of Nairobi.

We condemn in the strongest words possible the atrocious crimes that were meted out on innocent Kenyans while conducting a prayer service. We extend solidarity with the Bishops and Pastors who organised this successful prayer meeting.

Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the departed and we pray for them to receive Divine comfort from the Almighty God. We pray for the deceased and urge all Kenyans to pray for the souls of these our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives while expressing their democratic right in “defense of life”. We are however surprise and shocked that someone decides to dishonorate the Government from this barbaric act without first waiting for the findings of the investigation of the police.

We also wish to condemn the cowardly acts of vandalism, defilement and irreverent that was witnessed at the Holy Family Basilica on the morning of Monday the 14th of June 2010. This attack was directed against “The Most Blessed Sacrament” which all Catholics hold most Sacred. We deeply protest against this sought of vandalism, and condemn categorically the action of the instigators.

We wish to categorically state that we shall not be intimidated neither shall our resolve to oppose this flawed draft be dented. Indeed, we express our concern against the personal attacks that have been made through the media and in public against our church leaders simply because they in good conscience have chosen to oppose the draft constitution and urge Kenyans to reject it as a document that is not good for our country.

We as a country have already witnessed firsthand where this slippery road of violence and intolerance can lead us. We call upon all Kenyans to join hands and resist any elements amongst us that are bent on dividing the country or taking us back to the dark days of violence. We also call upon Kenyans to be calm and accommodating of one another’s views whether for or against the constitution.

It should not be lost in our minds that we must continue as a nation, whatever may be the decision we make on the historic 4th of August, and that God will still be with us to guide us forward.

The Catholic Church in Kenya calls on all Kenyans to be united and to speak with one voice of love, respect and understanding regardless of colour, religion, tribe, race or creed, or even position taken on the proposed constitution. We also call upon all Kenyans of goodwill to remember our country in prayers that we may all learn to live harmoniously together with love and unity.

Signed for and on behalf of ALL Archbishops and Bishops

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Chairman Kenya Episcopal Conference

Cc National Council of Churches of Kenya
Att. Canon Peter Karanja

Cc Evangelical Alliance of Kenya
Att. Rev. Dr. Willy Mutiso

Date: June 15, 2010

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Bishops' Statement: "Choose life and You Will Live!"

2010-05-12T08:55:00.005+03:00

Our dear people of God and fellow Kenyans, “the truth will set you free” (John 8: 32).

We, the Catholic Bishops of Kenya greet you in the name of the risen Lord.

You will recall that we wrote to you on 15th April 2010 in our pastoral letter ‘STAND UP FOR LIFE’ in which we were also addressing the government to take our views and those of other Kenyans into consideration. We have also sought other avenues to engage the government without success, specifically trying to address the two major issues raised in our letter. On the 6th May 2010, the Proposed Constitution of Kenya was published by the Attorney-General without change.

We wish to express our disappointment and that of many Kenyans that our voice has not been listened to so far. Even at this late stage, we still believe that the said clauses can be removed from the Proposed Constitution of Kenya.

In our letter ‘STAND UP FOR LIFE’ we referred to the difficulty we had with article 26 paragraph 4 and our concern about articles 169, 170.

With regard to article 26 paragraph 4, we insist that the right to life is paramount and we find the clause to be contrary to natural law, human dignity and Christian teaching as specified in the teaching of the Catholic Church.

We the Catholic Bishops of Kenya have sought advice on legal and medical issues regarding the right to life, and are convinced on the basis of the advice that we continue to receive, that the constitution will result in the liberalisation of abortion laws.

Similar wordings have been used in other countries to legalise abortion, similar faulty arguments as those being used by the proponents of abortion in this country. A good constitution should safeguard very basic rights before conferring other rights. The Proposed Constitution of Kenya does not do that. A good constitution is judged by how it protects fundamental human rights. All the gains in the Proposed Constitution of Kenya are, as it were, cancelled by what it says about the most fundamental right, the right to life. A constitution that does not safeguard the sanctity of human life is not a good constitution.

Together with this there are other issues which are found in the Proposed Constitution about which we have the gravest reservations, namely, the Kadhis’ courts with their inherent inequality of citizens (art. 169 and art. 170), family life (art. 53), acceptance of international law as the law of our country (art. 2), reproductive health care (art. 43, 1a), and the definition of religious freedom (art. 32). Why is the term reproductive health care in this constitution when it is understood in international definition to mean abortion?

Regarding future amendments, we do not believe that a document that is fundamentally flawed should be passed only with a very vague hope that it will be amended later, especially when the process of amendment is more difficult after than before. To vote for the Constitution is to vote for all of it, including its good and its bad provisions. It is impossible to separate them. All people of good will who vote for the Proposed Constitution of Kenya because of some provisions that they like are also responsible of voting for all the morally problematic provisions in the Proposed Constitution of Kenya, including the liberalisation of abortion. We cannot in good conscience advise Kenyans to vote for the Proposed Constitution of Kenya with the hope of future amendments. We also cannot in good conscience leave the matter to Kenyans without giving our considered advice in moral matters so that they can form their consciences in accord with the will of God expressed to us through the moral laws that form part of our cherished Christian tradition. We state this without any fear of contradiction.

The Constitution is not a bag of potatoes for which you can remove five bad potatoes and retain the 95 that seem to be good. It is like an egg, that is delicate and has to be well preserved. And if it begins to go bad, it goes bad wholly and you cannot separate the good from the bad.

Thus, as we have already stated, we are compelled to advise the people of Kenya to vote No!

To emphasize our total objection to article 26 paragraph 4:
We will be promoting the teaching of our Church through the usual means of communication.

As we promised, we will be proclaiming a national day of prayer.

These are the issues on which we judge the Proposed Constitution of Kenya.

We urge our leaders to respect this decision and position that the entire Church has taken. We must voice our opinion, whichever it may be, with utmost respect for persons and institutions (articles 22 and 28). We are not in a political competition but rather putting clearly the position that arises from our role as religious and moral stewards of our society.

We the Catholic Church have been involved in responding to the problems and concerns of women and shall continue working for the respect of their dignity. We wish to prevent many women of this country from experiencing medical treatment by people who are not qualified. We want to prevent them from experiencing the internal pain of the loss of love.

The Church runs many health institutions in collaboration with the government. We know that the rights of many women in this country have not been respected. The Church has always been and shall always be on their side. Those trying to front abortion are the ones who do not care about the plight of women. Why would anyone wish to cause so much pain to women? Would the Church want anything bad for this country? Would the Church promote evil for this country?

Our dear Christians and dear people of good will, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We all understand the craving we all have for a new constitutional dispensation. However, we have a moral duty to pass on to our future generations a constitution that truly safeguards truth and human dignity.

We therefore urge you to make a major campaign of prayer for the defense of life and a constitution that safeguards this reality. We urge al to pray the rosary and other prayers in our Eucharistic celebrations and our small Christian communities so that God may listen to our cry and plea.

We therefore repeat our advice to the people of Kenya to reject this Proposed Constitution of Kenya.

We commend all of you to the protection of our Blessed Mother Mary; may she who treasured the mysteries of God in her womb intercede for our beloved country Kenya.

Signed:

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue;
Archbishop of Nairobi.
Apostolic Administrator of Ngong
Chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference

1. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti - KEC Vice Chairman (Kakamega)
2. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth (Kisumu)
3. Most Rev. Boniface Lele (Mombasa)
4. Most Rev. Peter Kairo (Nyeri)
5. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin (Garissa)
- Apostolic Administrator (Malindi)
6. Rt. Rev. Cornelius K. Arap Korir (Eldoret)
7. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa(Kisii)
8. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (Homa Bay)
9. Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich (Military Ordinariate )
10. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley (Kitale)
11. Rt. Rev. Norman King’oo Wambua (Bungoma)
12. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC (Marsabit)
13. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a- (Auxiliary Bishop Nairobi)
14. Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC (Isiolo Vicariate)
15. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington (Lodwar)
16. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante (Maralal )
17. Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi (Meru)
18. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro (Nyahururu)
19. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo (Kericho)
20. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde (Machakos)
21. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria (Kitui)
22. Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina (Muranga)
23. Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru (Embu)
24. Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba (Nakuru)
25. Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich – (Aux. Bishop Elect Lodwar)

Monday, 11th May 2010

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Bishops' Statement: "Stand Up For Life!"

2010-04-16T14:09:00.003+03:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord.

We are all aware that a Referendum on the Proposed Constitution for Kenya will take place later in 2010. As Bishops of the Catholic Church in Kenya, we are supportive of a new Constitutional Order for our country and have worked long and hard to bring the process to its present state. We encourage all of you to prepare carefully for this important event by first of all registering, and then on Referendum day, to go out and vote.

It is our duty, as moral leaders and shepherds of the Catholic Church in Kenya, to present for your reflection certain, serious problems connected with Article 26 (paragraph 4) of the Proposed Constitution. In order to refresh your memories, this article states:

“Abortion is not permitted unless, in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law”.

If this article is maintained in the Proposed Constitution as it is, we will be compelled based on moral grounds to advise the people of Kenya to vote NO.

To begin with, let us be clear on one point. The Catholic Church has always recognised the “emergency” situation when the life of the mother is in danger. The mother has a right to treatment in life-threatening situations. But we have always recognised that both the mother and the unborn child have an equal, personal right to life.

This is already recognised in the Kenya Penal Code. The physician must do all in his/her power to save the lives of both mother and child. The doctor, by his/her Hypocratic Oath, is bound to save and protect life. The State must expressly state in its Law to respect, defend and vindicate the rights of both mother and child.

But then, in extending the right of abortion to include a threat to the health of the pregnant woman, the article is opening the doors to “abortion on demand”. Those of us who live close to the people know that very many women suffer from ill-health in Kenya. There are many endemic diseases throughout this country. Most of them are preventable and treatable.

Is a danger to the health of the mother a sufficient reason to abort a child in the womb? Is the stress which a young schoolgirl undergoes on discovering that she is pregnant a sufficient threat to her health, so that she can demand and obtain an abortion? Further, on the other side of the economic scale, there are elitist groups who demand that abortion be legalised on spurious health grounds, such as “psychological damage to the ego”, body image or even the need to be accepted among one’s peers. All these are social problems – needing various social responses. They should not be addressed as medical - needing medical solutions.

Where there is a danger to the health of the mother is when she has procured an abortion. There are many “trained health professionals” who vouch for the fact that the guilt or trauma known as “post abortion syndrome” is a factor that can damage a woman’s emotional life. This is a result of aborting the child – an act that cannot be reversed.

There is another point in Article 26 (paragraph 4) which is not clear. What does it mean by “a trained health professional”? Is it a medical doctor, a clinical officer, a nurse, a mid-wife, a patient attendant or a Traditional Birth Attendant? All are “trained health professionals”. In any law – and particularly in the fundamental law being proposed for a country – the people have a right to precision before being asked to commit themselves to something. Clarification is needed from those who wrote and passed the Draft. We need to know the mind of the legislators. Then it can be stated clearly in the proposed article.

A final ambiguity with Article 26 (paragraph 4) is the phrase “any other written law”. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Are we satisfied with assurances or even MOUs that “changes can take place after the Referendum”? Are we prepared to allow Parliament or a majority of counties to pass other laws on issues of life and death? What is “a majority” in Parliament or of counties – referred to in Article 257 (vii) and (viii)? Do we want another Referendum in the near future? (Article 257 (x)? Can we financially afford this? Do we wish to spend time and money in seeking interpretations from the Judiciary?

“Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether foetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person or one suffering from an incurable disease or a person who is dying”. (Compendium of the Social Teaching of the Church No. 108).

“We are called upon to do as much as we can to defend the lives of unborn children, who cannot of their nature, defend themselves….Once abortion is sanctioned by parliament and the law, it becomes “OK” in the minds of many, and as a result a society loses its respect for the value of human life. Such a society is not a good society: the practice of abortion has a morally corrosive effect”. (A Catholic Catechism No. 332).

Proposals

1. That the Clause 26 (4) be removed from the Draft Constitution.
Reasons

There is insufficient time to achieve consensus and clarify all the issues in a calm, reasoned and unemotional manner.

There is insufficient time for a proper civic education on such grave, moral issues that affect life and death.

The present government of Kenya is made up of a Grand Coalition, which itself, is an extraordinary situation. All parties and interests are represented in it. This moral issue in Article 26 (paragraph 4) is not a political party issue.

We believe that an executive order by the President, with the agreement of the Prime Minister, can delete Article 26 (paragraph 4) and bring the country forward.

The President has stated on at least two public occasions that abortion would not be allowed in any proposed Constitution for Kenya.

The responsibility is now squarely in the hands of the “Two Principals” – President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

2. That all Catholics will hold a Prayer Day in Defence of Human Life. The date, manner and content for this Prayer Day will be communicated at a later date.

Now we turn to Articles 169, 170 and 172(a). The Question of the Kadhi courts has been linked by commentators to our views on Article 26. There is no such link.

In brief, the articles establish Kadhi Courts as part of our judiciary. In so doing they give a special treatment, to a section of the population that professes the Muslim religion. These courts would then be funded by the state.

The debate on Kadhi courts has been widely misunderstood and has created a lot of unnecessary suspicion amongst Kenyans on the basis of religion. It is not a Christians versus Muslims affair. It is simply about equality of all before the state. Here we are stating an anomaly that is in the current constitution and still maintained in the proposed constitution.

It is a question of Justice, not to give privileges to certain Kenyans (as opposed to others) because of their religion, race or tribe. That is the beginning of discrimination - more so if the issue refers to a religious group. What we are stating is that there is no equity. This right is only reserved to those professing one faith.

Justice calls that the Constitution provide similar rights to other religious groups. This could be regulated by Acts of Parliament. All the Christian churches, Hinduism, Islam, Catholicism etc. which have legitimate concerns, fears or expectations, should rectify and consolidate these through Acts of Parliament.
All are equal before the supreme law of the land and therefore need to be granted equal opportunity to enjoy all the liberties accorded to others.

In allowing certain groups, whether religious, tribal, geographic or otherwise to negotiate special privileges that will be enshrined in the constitution, then we shall be going against the very fundamental principle that we are all equal. We believe a solution can be found to provide for the equity that justice calls for and requires.

Let all religions be treated equally as provided for in the very Proposed Constitution. “There shall be no state religion” (Article 8).

In conclusion, our dear brothers and sisters, we assure you that we are praying with you and for you as we discern the best way forward for Kenya. As your shepherds, we have tried to put forward on many occasions to all forms of committees, groups, commissions and individuals, the legitimate concerns which we have in our hearts concerning these two Articles of the Proposed Constitution. Our patriotism and commitment, and that of the estimated Catholic population of one third of the people of this land (who are drawn from all parts of Kenya) have never been in doubt. The contribution of the Catholic Church to the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and developmental aspects of all over the past one hundred years is a matter of public record. We assure you and the people of Kenya that this commitment will continue.

May the Lord strengthen all of us.

Signed

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue;
Archbishop of Nairobi.
Apostolic Administrator of Ngong
Chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference

1. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti - KEC Vice Chairman (Kakamega)
2. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth (Kisumu)
3. Most Rev. Boniface Lele (Mombasa)
4. Most Rev. Peter Kairo (Nyeri)
5. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin (Garissa)
- Apostolic Administrator (Malindi)
6. Rt. Rev. Cornelius K. Arap Korir (Eldoret)
7. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa(Kisii)
8. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (Homa Bay)
9. Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich (Military Ordinariate )
10. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley (Kitale)
11. Rt. Rev. Norman King’oo Wambua (Bungoma)
12. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC (Marsabit)
13. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a- (Auxiliary Bishop Nairobi)
14. Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC (Isiolo Vicariate)
15. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington (Lodwar)
16. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante (Maralal )
17. Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi (Meru)
18. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro (Nyahururu)
19. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo (Kericho)
20. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde (Machakos)
21. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria (Kitui)
22. Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina (Muranga)
23. Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki Njiru (Embu)
24. Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba (Nakuru)
25. Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich – (Aux. Bishop Elect Lodwar)

Thursday, 15th April 2010

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Our Blog: CANANews

Fr. Kimengich Appointed Auxiliary Bishop Of Lodwar

2010-03-21T13:03:00.002+03:00

CANANews NAIROBI; Saturday, 20, 2010

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Fr. Dominic Kimengich as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar.

The appointment was made on Saturday March 20, 2010.

A statement from the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya stated:

“His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Rev. Fr. Dominic Kimengich, priest of Diocese of Nakuru, and so far, the National Executive Secretary of the Canon Law office at the Secretariat of Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC) as the Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar.”

Born on 23rd April 1961 in Kituro, Baringo District to Luka Kimengich Kipkosiom and Kabom kimengich, the Bishop-elect attended Marigat primary and Kituro high schools between 1967 and 1979.

He joined St Augustine Major Seminary in Mabanga in 1980 for his Philosophy studies and St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in 1982 for Theological studies.

He was ordained Deacon on 15 December 1985, and then a priest on 14 September 1986.

He holds a Licentiate and Doctorate degrees in Canon law from the Pontifical Holy Cross University, Rome.

After his ordination, Bishop-Elect Kimengich administered as Assistant Parish Priest at Ndanai Catholic Mission, and Parish Priest at Kipsaram Catholic Mission.

Between 1997 and 2001, he served as the Rector at St. Joseph’s minor seminary in Molo. He was the Judicial Vicar of Nakuru Diocese between 1998 and 2002.

He was the Vicar General of Nakuru between 2001 and 2007. He also served as a judge of the Diocesan Ecclesiastical tribunal of the Diocese from 2003.

Prior to his appointment as the National Executive Secretary of the Canon Law office at the KEC Catholic Secretariat, Bishop- Elect served as the Rector and lecturer at St. Matthias Mulumba Major Seminary, Tindinyo between 2007 and 2008.

Bishop-Elect Kimengich is the second Priest to be appointed while serving at the Kenya Episcopal Conference Catholic Secretariat, following the appointment (on December 19, 2009) and ordination (on February 27, 2010) of Bishop Maurice Makumba Muhatia of Nakuru Diocese, who prior to his appointment was the Executive Secretary of the Commission of Doctrine at the Secretariat. Bishop Elect Kimengich is also a member of the Commission for Doctrine.

The latest Episcopal appointment is fourth within one year in Kenya, with all the appointed priests being former Rectors. Others who were appointed since April 2009 are Bishop James Maria Wainaina of Murang’a and James Paul Njiru Kariuki of Embu.

Bishop-Elect Kimengich will be assisting Bishop Patrick Harrington at Lodwar Diocese

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Caritas International Wants Haiti Debt Cancelled

2010-02-24T11:41:00.003+03:00

The Caritas is pressurizing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to totally cancel debt for Haiti, a country that was devastated by a 7.0 Richter strong earthquake on January 12, 2010.

While welcoming the IMF's decision to lend earthquake-stricken Haiti US$102 million on highly concessional terms, Caritas expressed disappointed that it would not be possible at the same time to cancel Haiti's outstanding debts to the IMF.

“The appalling images coming out of Port-au-Prince show that it will be many years before Haiti will be in a position to service any international loans. Haiti must be free to heal its wounds, rebuild and reconstruct confident that it is not building up debt obligations in the future. That is why Caritas is joining campaigners from around the world who are calling for immediate debt cancellation,” a situation report from Caritas Kenya on the rescue and recovery processes in Haiti pointed out.

The managing director of the IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn has given his support to efforts to cancel Haiti's debts and has said that "IMF is now working with all donors to try to delete all the Haitian debt, including our new loan."
The World Bank (owed $39 million) and Inter-American Development Bank (owed $447 million) have also expressed support for debt cancellation; though have yet to formally agree a deal.

“Caritas says the time for debt cancellation is now. Caritas urges the IMF and other donors to ensure that the burden of debt is lifted from Haiti as it struggles to rebuild - a task that will take decades and billions of dollars,” the situation report says.

Debt cancellation would go a long way to try to rebuild the ruined country.

At the same time, Caritas continues to take lead in coordinating the Catholic church response to Haiti disaster.
Following the devastating earthquake, His Holiness the Pope Benedict XVI called for prayers, solidarity and generosity in aid of the victims of the catastrophe.

At Caritas Internationalis headquarters in Rome, an emergency response team led by Humanitarian Director Alistair Dutton was sent to Haiti. Other Caritas staff from members in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and Europe joined to provide extra capacity for staff on the ground.

Immediately after the quake, Caritas is appealed for an emergency appeal of US$ 42 million (Euro 30 million) to provide 200,000 Haiti quake survivors with immediate food, shelter, medical help, and clean water.

Caritas Haiti and the Bishops of Haiti have been leading the Catholic Church’s response to the crisis in Haiti. Caritas Internationalis set up its coordination crisis centre at the Caritas Haiti compound to ensure that all Caritas members worked effectively together under guidance of the national Church in Haiti.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Haiti, Archbishop Bernardito Cleopas Auza, hosted a Caritas meeting at the Holy See’s Embassy in Port-au-Prince to look at relief operations and longer term challenges such as education, agriculture, reconstruction and preparing for disasters.

Caritas was in a good position to provide aid to survivors after the earthquake. Caritas Haiti has been working on emergencies, development and social justice for 35 years. It works through 10 diocesan offices, through staff, and parish priests and community volunteers.

In 2008, Caritas Haiti responded to a series of hurricanes providing food rations, cleaning up schools and homes, helping people build shelters, and providing scholarships to children so they could go to school.

In Kenya, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, His Excellency Alain Paul Lebeaupin reiterated the Holy Father’s invitation, appealing to all Catholics and people of good will to support the call.

Caritas Kenya and the Kenya Episcopal Conference sent messages of condolence and solidarity to Caritas Haiti and Episcopal Conference of Haiti respectively. Kenya Episcopal Conference also send out an appeal to all people of good will to join hands with all the Catholic Bishops in Kenya for a unified response to alleviate the sufferings of the survivors of this disaster.

Caritas Kenya was mandated to coordinate the response. This appeal was addressed to all Bishops, Religious Congregations and KEC Commissions and Institutions, among others. All collections will be forwarded to His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio for onward facilitation to the Holy See.

This two month international appeal by Pope Benedict XVI will be followed by a longer 12 month reconstruction programme.

Caritas has been working directly in 20 camps, but is also distributing aid through its contacts with priests and religious working in 32 parishes with 150,000 people in need.

Already, Caritas members from 40 countries have collected $ 198 million (Euro 147 million) from private donations for Haiti’s quake survivors. In addition, governments and institutions have pledged $36 million (Euro 27 million) to Caritas for Haiti.

Around $20 million is being used to provide for immediate needs over the next two months.

Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Rodrgiuez said: “We are humbled by the support Caritas has received from around the world. From rich countries in Europe and North America to desperately poor ones like Congo and Somalia, this is a great symbol of solidarity with Haiti as it looks to rebuild anew. We will be a central part of creating a better future for Haitians based on solidarity, hope and love.”

However, efforts will not only be concentrated to humanitarian crisis being experienced currently.

“Experience has shown that in crisis situations such as this, the weaker voices in society, already vulnerable to abuse, become more so – including women, children, the elderly and the infirm. There is need to think beyond simply meeting basic needs – food will not keep communities safe from abuse and water will not protect them from violence. Almost half of the affected population (48%) are children, many of whom are deeply traumatised and alone,” says Mr. Stephen Kituku, the acting National Executive Secretary for the Development, social services/ Caritas Kenya Commission at the Kenya Episcopal Conference Catholic Secretariat.

Over three million people were affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti at 16:53 local time on Tuesday 12 January with around 230,000 people over half a million people were made homeless and many people are in makeshift camps and relying on aid agencies for food and water. The quake was the worst in over 200 years.
Over 20,000 commercial buildings and 225,000 homes were destroyed, 800,000 people are homeless and 340,000 people have fled the capital.

Hospitals, schools, government buildings, the United Nations compound, water pipes, electricity cables, communication lines, churches, roads, and the port were all badly damaged or destroyed in the earthquake.

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Bishop's Statement: Issues of Concern on the Situation in the Country and the Draft Constitution

2010-02-18T17:41:00.003+03:00

“Come now let us set things right, says the Lord...” Isaiah 1:18

PREAMBLE
We the Catholic Bishops in Kenya, sitting today in an extra ordinary plenary meeting at our Catholic Secretariat in Westlands, have followed with concern the recent development in the Grand Coalition Government especially the current stalemate between the two principals, the President and the Prime Minister.

We firmly appeal to the two principals to work together and to continue consulting for the good of this country. The good of the country must be put before any other priority and indeed the Grand Coalition Government was formed in order to keep the country united and peaceful.

It is also necessary for the politicians who belong to each side of the Political divide and others to also be conscious of the good of this country in all that they say and do.

Among other pertinent issues, corruption must be condemned and fought by all, with the two principals in the lead. This calls for objective methodologies that address comprehensively all the areas and cases of corruption.

The two Principals together must avoid abdication of duty that may delay action in the fight against graft. We urge the Principals to sit together and work with advisors who are genuine and honest and have the good of the country at heart. This would be seen to add value to the plight of the poor and marginalised in Kenya. The focus should continue to be Kenya as one people and nation.
We the Catholic Bishops of Kenya wish to advise against absconding of cabinet meetings. This would mean a stalemate in government business and would never be in the interest of the country and worst of all the electorate who have delegated their powers to the legislators.

Such a move only increases the anxiety of Kenyans and stagnates progress, threatening the very and only chance of achieving a new constitution for our country. While the solutions to the current stalemate are being sought, we must all remain focused on the responsibilities that address the Common Good, Solidarity and Development of Peoples, living in Justice and Peace.

The solution to the current stalemate should be truly home-grown. We should avoid reaching out to the International Community in the face of every crisis before exhausting internal conflict resolution mechanisms.

We are in a critical and defining moment of our constitution making process. All efforts must be put towards this important process in order to get a new constitution that will address justice for all including the unborn and the voiceless.

We therefore appeal to all to be focused, honest and united for the good of this country today and in the future.

CONSTITUTION REVIEW PROCESS
We acknowledge the efforts and good work of the Committee of Experts, the Parliamentary Select Committee and Kenyans in the constitution review process. As it is taken to Parliament, it is our hope that the process will be brought to a positive conclusion for the benefit of Kenyans.

Bill of Rights
We recommend that the Bill of Rights as proposed by Committee Of Experts in the Revised Harmonised Draft Constitution was comprehensive and should be retained with the following amendments.

Right to Life; “Thou Shall not Kill” (Exodus 20:13)
The Catholic Church upholds the fundamental principle of the Sanctity of Life. We believe that life is sacred and God given and therefore propose the following legislation on this basis:-
1. every person has the right to life
2. life starts from the moment of conception and ends with natural death
3. there shall be no abortion
4. there shall be no capital punishment
5. there shall be no euthanasia

Family
The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society and shall enjoy the recognition and protection of the state.
We therefore propose that the component of the family be defined as a father who is a male, a mother who is a female and children present, potential or legally adopted.

Every adult may marry only a person of the opposite sex. We do not support same sex “marriages” and they must not be allowed or recognised in the Constitution of our country.

An adult should also be defined in the constitution. We recommend that an adult be a male or female who has attained 18 years of age.

Education
We note that the right to education is missing from the Parliamentary Select Committee draft. We therefore recommend that the proposals given by the Committee Of Experts be retained as in Article 51 and 66 (6) (c) of the Revised Harmonised Draft Constitution.

All children should have the right to compulsory basic education. Parents and legal guardians should be involved in the curriculum development. Children’s and youth’s rights should be retained as in Revised Harmonised Draft Constitution.

Judiciary
In the spirit of the fundamental principle of religious freedom of peoples, we note that although religion and state have to be separated, there is need to have good relations between religion and state . We therefore recommend that the constitution recognises the possibility of agreements between the authorities of different religions with the state as exists in many countries. In consideration therefore, The Kadhis’ courts be established under an act of parliament as a subordinate court and dealing only with matters of personal law, i.e. marriage, inheritance and separation.

National Days
We note that in the Parliamentary Select Committee draft there are no National Days recognized. We therefore recommend that the National days include the following:

Madaraka Day (1st June), Mashujaa Day (20th October) and Jamhuri day (12th December) as in Revised Harmonised Draft Constitution.

It is our hope that all of us will work together for a good constitution, which will deliver justice to all. That we may dwell in Unity, Peace and Liberty and that Plenty may be found within our borders

Signed

-------------------------------------------------------
His Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Archbishop of Nairobi
Apostolic Administrator of Ngong
Chairman - Kenya Episcopal Conference

1. Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti - Vice Chairman (Kakamega)
2. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth (Kisumu)
3. Most Rev. Boniface Lele (Mombasa)
4. Most Rev. Peter Kairo (Nyeri)
5. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin (Garissa)
Apostolic Administrator - (Malindi)
6. Rt. Rev. Cornelius K. Arap Korir (Eldoret)
7. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa (Kisii)
8. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (Homa Bay)
Apostolic Administrator -(Nakuru)
9. Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich (Military Ordinariate)
10. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley (Kitale)
11. Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua King’oo (Bungoma)
12. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC (Marsabit)
13. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a- Aux. Bishop (Nairobi)
14. Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC (Isiolo Vicariate)
15. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington (Lodwar)
16. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante (Maralal )
17. Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi (Meru)
18. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro (Nyahururu)
19. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo (Kericho)
20. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde (Machakos)
21. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria (Kitui)
22. Rt. Rev. James Wainaina (Muranga)
23. Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki (Embu)
24. Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia - Bishop Elect (Nakuru)

Dated: Tuesday, 18th February 2010

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Our Blog: CANANews

Bishops' Statement: THOU SHALL NOT KILL (Exodus 20:13)

2010-01-22T11:45:00.003+03:00

‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you..’ Jeremiah 1:4-5

Life begins at conception and ends with natural death. Any attempt to deny this truth is wrong and misleading.

The Catholic Church has stated again and again that human life begins from the moment of conception and ends with natural death. The servant of God Pope John Paul II taught that: “Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, every person sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by light of reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize in the natural law written in the heart the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end, and can affirm the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree” (The Gospel of Life, no.2).

It follows therefore that the recognition of the right to life is the foundation in which every human community and the political community is based on. Based on this foundational principle, the Catholic Bishops in Kenya presented to the Committee of Experts on the Constitutional Review the following immutable statement in regard to Article 35 – Right to Life of the draft Constitution:

The Catholic Church upholds the fundamental principle of the Sanctity of life. We believe life is sacred and God-given and therefore propose the following legislation on this basis:-

1. Every person has a right to life
2. Life starts from the moment of conception and ends with natural death
3. There shall be no abortion
4. There shall be no capital punishment
5. There shall be no euthanasia

It comes therefore as a surprise that at this very moment when the people of Kenya are looking forward to a new Constitution, those entrusted with the task are removing the only one basic pillar and the corner stone that the entire structure of the constitution hangs on – the inviolable sanctity of human life that begins at the moment of conception.

To insert in the constitution a clause that shifts the moment of life from conception to the time of birth defeats reason and without doubt is to open the way to legalized abortion.

The acceptance of abortion - an unspeakable crime - in the popular mind, in behavior and even in law itself, is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense, which is becoming more and more incapable of distinguishing between good and evil, even when the fundamental right to life is at a stake. Procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth. When it comes to abortion we are dealing with murder. The one eliminated is a human being from the very beginning of life.

Consequently, a constitution that does not protect life in all its phases is irremediably faulty and ceases to demand any recognition. Conscious of our divine mandate to promote the culture of life and to stand for inviolable right of every person to life from the moment of conception to natural death, we strongly feel that we cannot be party to any legislation that supports a culture of death.

We therefore call upon our members of Parliament and all concerned to correct the anomaly and recognize, in the Constitution, that life begins at the moment of conception.

Signed by the Mandate of
His Eminence John Cardinal Njue
Archbishop of Nairobi & Apostolic Administrator of Ngong
Chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference

--------------------------------------------------------
Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti
Bishop of Kakamega/
Vice Chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference

1. Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth (Kisumu)
2. Most Rev. Boniface Lele (Mombasa)
3. Most Rev. Peter Kairo (Nyeri)
4. Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin (Garissa)
5. Rt. Rev. Cornelius K. Arap Korir (Eldoret)
6. Rt. Rev. Joseph Mairura Okemwa (Kisii)
7. Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo (Homa Bay); (Apostolic Administrator (Nakuru))
8. Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich (.Military Ordinariate)
9. Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley (Kitale)
10. Rt. Rev. Norman Wambua King’oo (Bungoma)
11. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara, IMC (Marsabit)
12. Rt. Rev. David Kamau Ng’ang’a- Aux. Bishop (Nairobi)
13. Rt. Rev. Anthony Ireri Mukobo, IMC (Isiolo Vicariate)
14. Rt. Rev. Patrick Harrington (Lodwar)
15. Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante . (Maralal)
16. Rt. Rev. Salesius Mugambi (Meru)
17. Rt. Rev. Luigi Paiaro (Nyahururu)
18. Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Okombo (Kericho)
19. Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva Musonde (Machakos)
20. Rt. Rev. Anthony Muheria (Kitui)
21. Rt. Rev. James Wainaina (Muranga)
22. Rt. Rev. Paul Kariuki (Embu)
23. Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia – Bishop Elect (Nakuru)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

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Fr. Adilleta succeeds Fr. Devine as Chair of RSCK

2010-01-20T15:47:00.002+03:00

Fr. Patrick Devine, the outgoing Chairman of the RSCK, is delighted that Fr. David Adilleta, who had served up to now as vice chairman, is the new Chairman.

“The fidelity, commitment, and contribution of Fr. David to RSCK and Church issues were of a very high standard. Fr. David played a very significant role as chairman of the RSCK Justice-Peace and Integrity of Creation Commision,” he said.

In addition, his role in the Liaison and the CJPC Commissions of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, he has had a positive impact on collaboration and mutual relations between all involved.

“The fact that (Father) David was the unanimous choice for the position of Chairman of the RSCK speaks volumes of the esteem in which he is held by the other Religious Superiors,” said Fr. Devine.

He noted that he was aware that each Religious Superior does have a lot of various responsibilities outside RSCK, but there are no words of his that could thank David enough for his solidarity and generosity to the mission projects and remits of the RSCK.

While assuring Fr. David of his assistance and support in all ways possible, he praised the new executive elected. The executive team includes Fr Caellana, Fr. Ricardo; Br. Leonard and Fr. Wanjau “I have no doubt of their past contribution and willingness to offer themselves to new demands of leadership and the service of mission,” said Fr. Devine

Fr. David Adilleta OP, the newly elected Chairman of the Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya, (RSCK), praised the out-going Chairman, Fr. Patrick Devine SMA, who had completed the two terms in the post, for his dedication at RSCK . “It is important to acknowledge the vast contribution Fr. Patrick Devine has made to the RSCK and the missionary work of its members during his time as vice-chairman and his two terms as chairman,” said Fr. David.

He said that Fr Devine was instrumental in purchasing the first RSCK office in order to facilitate meetings and the implementation of policy. During his term, there were numerous workshops and meetings on issues such as Child Protection Protocols, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, Pre- and Post-Election Violence, Gender, Ethnic clashes, Hunger and Famine, Social Analysis vis-à-vis slum conditions, governance, et cetera.

He also worked on improving the RSCK regional meetings, bringing all the Superiors together to discuss issues of Evangelisation, Justice and Peace, formation and advocacy on many national humanitarian issues.

He also played a crucial role in helping RSCK member congregations on other issues in the judicial, financial and legal fields, plus his informal mediatory role in trying to resolve the Kenya post election violence..

Fr Devine has also made a major contribution to establishing a much closer collaboration and cooperative relationship between the RSCK and the KEC. Bishop David Kamau, the current bishop chairman of the Liaison Commission for Clergy and Religious said Fr. Devine had contributed a lot to the structural development of the commission. This Commission is composed of representatives of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference, the AOSK, the RSCK and KNDPA.

“Many members from these associations have received educational assistance for poor children and schools in many neglected parts of Kenya through Fr. Devine’s fund raising, which were distributed through the offices of RSCK over the last four years,” said the Bishop.

Fr. Devine was instrumental in the development of the Church-owned PACIS Insurance Company, which has greatly-helped RSCK personnel in practical aspects of their missionary work. During Fr. Devine’s tenure, there has been the increased professionalism of the RSCK in terms of administration and accountability.

Fr. Devine’s reflection on conflict resolution and reconciliation and the need to develop related Institutes of Formation and Education had been presented to the Kenyan and AMECEA delegates to the Synod for Africa. Fr. Paulino Mondo, a theologian of the Kenya Episcopal Conference for the delegates of the Synod for Africa informed the assembly that Fr. Devine’s submission on Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation was included in the ‘Interventions’ of the Kenyan and AMECEA delegates at the Synod for Africa and made a substantial contribution to Proposition 21 on Peace. The said submission was also published by Catholic Information Service for Africa (CISA) and the National Mirror newspaper.

Bishop Kamau heaped praises to Fr Devine’s support to all the RSCK Superiors and their members who experienced the pain of having their members murdered or dying of natural causes, and indeed to members who suffered trauma in other ways.

While engaging in all these activities, he also managed to take classes, do research, and study for a Masters Degree in Peace Studies and International Relation in the last two years, graduating with Suma Cum Laude.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General – Kenya Episcopal Conference, the management and staff of KEC-Catholic Secretariat applauded Fr. Devine for his personal and institutional achievements.

“We look forward to the Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation,” said Fr. Wambugu, the KEC Secretary General.

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Secretary General's Christmas Message

2009-12-04T10:51:00.004+03:00

As we conclude the year 2009, we at the Kenya Catholic Secretariat thank God for such a wonderful year. We find enough reasons for celebration.

The Year 2008 was full of turbulence and anxiety following the Post Election crisis that rocked our country. It is in this year also, that our Strategic Plan 2004-2008 ended in December, and therefore, we had to put together a new planning blue print (Strategic Plan 2009-2013, now the KEC-Catholic Secretariat Vision 2013, thanks to the facilitatory and advisory role of His Eminence John Cardinal Njue Chairman, KEC, Archbishops and Bishops, our Chief Administrator Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, the support of our partners and of course the unrelenting efforts of our staff at Kenya Episcopal Conference-Catholic Secretariat.

Our Bishops launched the new Strategic Plan 2009-2013 in February this year. At the same time, we articulated our Vision, Mission Statement, core values and the Strategic roles of our national Secretariat.

As a result, in the last twelve months, we have managed to achieve reasonable levels in our programmatic work. In a special way I recognize and commend our KEC-Commissions and the various offices at the Secretariat for going that extra mile towards the success of our programmes and strategies in general. These include Education and Religious Education Commission, Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Catholic Health Commission of Kenya, Development and Social Services/Caritas Kenya, Pastoral, Lay Apostolate and Family Life Commission, Social Communications Commission, Finance Commission and Liturgy Commission.

Others are; Commission for Doctrine, Seminary Episcopal Commission, Commission for Missions (PMS), Commission for Religious & Clergy – Liaison Committee, Commission for Ecumenism, Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Commission for Refugees, Migrants & Sea Farers, and the two Non- Commissions: Canon Law National Office; Apostolate to the Nomads (A.N.A).

Our heartfelt gratitude extend to our Arch/Bishops individually and collectively for their immense wisdom and guidance in our work. I commend in a special way His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Chairman Kenya Episcopal Conference, Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti, the Vice Chairman of KEC, and the Chief Administrator of the Catholic Secretariat and the Arch/bishops Chairmen of various KEC Commissions for their availability in providing support to our programmes, and the welfare of our staff and guiding us on our Mission and Mandate.

We appreciate the universality of the Catholic Church and communion with our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father is represented in Kenya by His Excellency Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin. We are most obliged to humbly recognize the loving and selfless effort of His Excellency in offering the linkage with the Holy See and personally being present with our Bishops in this journey of faith. We register our sincere gratitude to him.

Our institutions were commendable and continue to thrive including St. Luke’s School of Nursing, Radio Waumini, Ukweli Video, The National Shrine Subukia, our Seminaries, CISRET, Mji Wa Furaha, with the National Shrine continuing to attract thousands of pilgrims each year. Our seminaries, institutions of higher learning, et al and organizations including Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya (RSCK), Association of Sisterhood of Kenya (AOSK), Kenya Diocesan Priests Association among others, offered us beautiful collaboration, a fact that enabled us achieve a lot as laid down in our work plans and strategic direction.

May I take this chance to sincerely recognize the great work and devotion of the immediate/outgoing Chairman of RSCK Fr. Patrick Devine, SMA. He recently, after a successful two terms stint in office passed the mantle to Fr. Adilleta. Fr. Devine was instrumental to the process of establishing very close collaboration between Kenya Episcopal Conference and the men and Women Religious through RSCK and AOSK. This gave a base to a very efficient Liaison Committee currently Chaired by Bishop David Kamau and deputized by Bishop Patrick Harrington. This Liaison Committee whose National Secretary is Sr. Tecla Chepng’eno has worked towards closer collaboration which has born fruits of good mutual relations. We commend Fr. Devine and the peace initiatives he is undertaking through Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.

I am grateful for the financial and morale support of our partners, among others the Apostolic Nunciature, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Misereor, Missio (Munich), United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), CAFOD, Trocaire and the Kenyan Government. Several organizations partnered with KEC-Catholic Secretariat and we may not exhaust the list.

It is important to specifically mention the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed mid this year between the Kenya Episcopal Conference-Catholic Secretariat and the Catholic Relief Services that will see both institutions enhance closer working relations. We are grateful for the support received from the past and present leadership of CRS in Kenya. Once more, as I congratulate and welcome Pulickal Mathai Jose, the new Country Representative (CRS), may I wish the immediate former representative, Ken MacLean, all the best in his new endeavours.

At the same time, Kenya Episcopal Conference, together with the Supreme Council of Muslims in Kenya (SUPKEM) and Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), signed another MoU with the Kenya Government through the Ministries of Public health/Sanitation and Medical Services. Through this MoU the Government will collaboratively supplement efforts of our mission health facilities, adding value in our health services delivery to the public.

In addition, we have been working with our brothers and sisters from other faiths in the spirit of ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, among others NCCK, and the Ufungamano Joint Forum of Religious Leaders which brings together all Faiths as stakeholders.

Year 2009 also witnessed historic moments, including the appointment and ordination of Bishop James Maria Wainaina Kung’u of Murang’a, and Bishop Paul Kariuki Njiru of Embu. We thank God for the gift of these two shepherds and offer them our prayerful best wishes. However, we also lost Bishop Francis Baldacchino of Malindi, who passed away while receiving medical attention in Malta, his place of birth, where he was also buried. May God rest his soul in Peace!

It is during this year that the universal church held the 2nd Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops in Rome from 4th to 25th October 2009 under the theme: “The church in Africa in service to reconciliation, justice and peace: “you are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world (Mt 5:13, 14)”. Kenya Episcopal Conference was represented by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, who is the chairman of Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC), Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth of Kisumu, Most Rev. Boniface Lele of Mombasa, Most Rev. Peter Kairo of Nyeri, Rt. Rev. Martin Kivuva of Machakos and Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti of Kakamega, who is also the Vice Chairman of KEC. This delegation to Rome was supported and facilitated by a four member technical team including Fr. Vincent Wambugu (Secretary General, KEC), Mrs. Jane Marine, the National Executive Secretary for the Catholic justice and peace Commission, Fr. Martin Wanyoike the National Executive Secretary (Social Communications) and Fr. Paulino Mondo (Theologian).

As we await the fruits of the synod through the Exhortation of the Holy Father Benedict XVI, it is important that we heed his message at the conclusion of the Synod: “Get on your feet Africa!” This message, together with the message of the Synod Fathers to the people of God could not have come at a more crucial time for Kenya than now. We are grappling with various topical issues including environmental conservation, issues threatening the institution of the family, human rights, and above all, efforts to get a new constitution as key in the reform agenda.

On the new constitution, may I implore all Kenyans to make their contribution; by first of all, reading the harmonized draft Constitution, and those who can, let them assist others in understanding this essential draft to do so, in order to make informed choices.

As the window of opportunity for the public debate on the same goes on, I urge every Kenyan to actively and constructively participate.

As we welcome the year 2010, we, at the secretariat are full of hope. Our role as the Catholic Secretariat is clearer than ever, guided by our Vision, and Mission, Core Values and the Strategic Plan 2009-2013. We have our harmonized 2010 work plans ready, and a common calendar of events in place. We look forward to enhanced cooperation within and without the secretariat in the new year.

It is now my deepest joy to send most cordial Christmas greetings to His Excellency Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin, Apostolic Nuncio; His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, Chairman KEC; our Chief Administrator, Rt. Rev. Philip Sulumeti; All our Archbishops and Bishops, our clergy, Men and Women Religious, all Christ’s faithful and all people of good will. In a special way, we extend our Christmas greetings to all our staff at the KEC-Catholic Secretariat and all KEC Institutions.

To all of you, may you have a joy filled Christmas season and a prosperous new Year 2010.

--------------------------------------------
Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Wambugu
SECRETARY GENERAL
KENYA EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE

December 2009

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Fr. McGarry's Burial This Saturday

2009-11-27T16:58:00.002+03:00

The late Fr. Cecil McGarry, a renowned Theologian and scholar will be laid to rest on Saturday November 28, 2009 at the Jesuit Cemetery of Pedro Arrupe Jesuit Community in Nairobi, after viewing the body and celebrating the Requiem Mass at St. John the Evangelist parish.

The missionary with the Society of Jesus (popularly known as Jesuits) died on Tuesday night, 24, November, 2009, after suffering from prostrate cancer.

Fr. McGarry, who clocked 80 years in January this year, is well known for his vast knowledge in Theology as well as his immense contribution in pre- and post first African Synod.

He had taught, mentored and administered in various institutions of learning during his priestly ministry.

Born on January 1, 1929, in Ireland, the late Fr. McGarry joined the Jesuit Novitiate in 1946, where he was ordained priest in 1964.

He graduated with a doctorate in Theology form the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and was appointed as the Rector of Minntown Park Institute in Dublin, Ireland.

In 1968, he became the Provincial of Ireland for his congregation of Society of Jesus.

In 1984, the late was among the founding staff of the Jesuits Hekima Theological College (Pictured above), where he served as the Dean of studies and a professor, until 1994, where he took over as the Rector of th Institution, a post he held till 1998.

The following year, Fr. McGarry moved to Mwangaza Spiritual Centre (Pedro Arrupe Jesuit Community), where he lived and worked until his death.

May God Rest His Soul In Peace!

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Archbishop Okoth: "Debate Draft Constitution exhaustively"

2009-11-19T10:06:00.004+03:00

The Catholic Church, through its Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) will undertake a countrywide civic education on the Harmonised Draft Constitution of November 2009.

During a Catholic Media Houses’ press briefing on November 18, 2009, a day after the Harmonized draft was released for public debate, the Bishop Chairman for the CJPC, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth said this was to enable Kenyans make informed choices.

“Justice and Peace Commission is committed to continuing to engage the Catholic Bishops, Clergy Religious, Laity, Dioceses, Deaneries, Parishes and Small Christian Communities in this process of Constitution making. We want a document that will establish an order based on truth, freedom, justice and the Common good of all Kenyans,” he said in his statement.

The Archbishop of Kisumu termed the window opportunity granted for the public to debate the draft as ‘too short’.
According to the time frame given by the committee of experts, the debate on the document is to go on for 30 days, beginning from the moment the draft was released to the public on November 17, 2009, after which the Committee of experts will take 21 days to put together the issues raised from the debate, before submitting the same to the August house for Parliamentary debate.

“Because of the timeframe, we shall do what we can within the capability of CJPC,” said Archbishop Okoth, “we want the debate on this harmonized draft constitution to go on exhaustively.”

The Archbishop said the Bishops conference would be meeting soon to ‘understand the draft better’, and only after then will the bishops give their common input on the document.

Terming the time for new constitution as ‘Now’, Archbishop Okoth urged for sober discussion on the document. “Let us have a constitution that will serve us and the future generations,” he said.

On the public debate he said: “The ball is now in our court as citizens and we urge all Christians to engage with process. We should read the document, discuss and share it. By knowing what is in the document we empower ourselves to make enlightened decisions. We should also take up the responsibility of empowering others to make informed choices.”

“We want a document that will establish an order based on truth, freedom, justice and the Common good of all Kenyans.”

He applauded the efforts by the committee of experts ‘to ensure that we are informed and can participate in the process of constitution making.

“It is a positive sign that brings us closer to the dream of a new constitutional dispensation for Kenya. We would also like to take this opportunity to appreciate the Committee of Experts and their efforts,” he said.

Despite what Nzamba Kitonga, the chairperson of Committee of Experts that was made up of experts from within and without Kenya termed as ‘numerous challenges’ during the launch of the Harmonized Draft Constitution at the Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) on November 17, 2009, it took 9 laborious months to come up with the document.

The draft was published through the media on November 18, 2009, and is currently within the public domain for debate.

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St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary Mourns its Dean

2009-11-18T09:09:00.002+03:00

St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary lost its Dean of studies, following the death of Fr. Francis Ngoci, A.J.

The fully professed member of the Religious Missionary Institute of the Apostles of Jesus passed away on November 15, 2009 at the institution, from what was described as kidney problems which he developed back in 1999 while ministering in the Archdiocese of Nyeri.

Born on October 6, 1952 in Kipio Village, Gatanga, Murang’a District to Mr. Isaac Ngugi Karanja and Mrs Rahab Wairimu, the late, after finishing his elementary education, joined Apostles of Jesus Minor Seminary in Moroto, Uganda in 1977 to prepare for postulancy and his Novitiate, where he also undertook his philosophical and theology studies. He later joined Catholic Higher Insitute of Eastern Africa (Now Catholic University of Eastern Africa, CUEA) in 1988, where he graduated with masters degree in Sacred theology, Canon law.

He took his first vows in 1979, while his final profession was on August 22, 1985, and a year later, he was ordained priest by Bishop Sisto Mazzoldi, Mccj, co-founder of the Apostles of Jesus Congregation.

In his Priesthood, the late had ministered various capacities in parishes and church institutions in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Nyeri and Diocese of Bungoma, including Ikinu and Lioki parishes (Nairobi); Apostles of Jesus Theologicum (Nairobi) as Rector, Dean of studies and a teacher; Dean of studies at St. Augustine’s Mabanga National Philosophicum (Seminary) – Bungoma, among others.

His latest ministry was at St. Thomas Aquinas National Major Seminary, as a teacher and Dean of studies.

The late will be laid to rest at St. Austin’s Msongari Cemetery, after a requiem Mass on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at the Sacred Heart Shrine, Langata, Nairobi, at 10.00am.

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BISHOPS: Kenya Needs New Constitution

2009-11-12T16:47:00.002+03:00

The current Kenyan constitution is not serving the common person’s interests, and hence, there is urgency in putting up a new one.

Kenya Episcopal conference bishops who met in Nairobi on November 10-11, 2009, to familiarize themselves with the new constitution draft document, which is expected to be published in few days’ time, also said that the current constitution is hindering transparency and accountability of the political leadership to the public.

The Bishops had met with the Constitutional experts to understand more the contents of the said draft.

At the same sitting, the Kenya’s Bishop’s delegation that represented the country during the just concluded Second Synod for Africa in the Vatican, updated the Ordinaries of the deliberations of the synod.

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Constitution for Anglican 'Catholics' Published

2009-11-10T15:17:00.007+03:00

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has issued an Apostolic Constitution on the establishment of the Personal Ordinariates for the Anglicans wishing to join the Catholic church.

The Constitution, Anglicanorum Coetibus, which was published on November 9, 2009, introduces a canonical structure that provides for the corporate reunion by establishing Personal Ordinariates, which will allow the Anglican groups to enter full communion with the Catholic Church while preserving elements of distinctive Anglican Spiritual and liturgical patrimony.

According to a press release from the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya, also published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is publishing a set of complementary Norms which will guide the implementation of the new provision responding to the many requests that have been submitted to the Holy See from groups of Anglican clergy and faithful in different parts of the world wishing to join the Catholic Church, that was announced by Cardinal William Levada, Prefect of the congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on October 20, 2009.

The Constitution opens a new avenue for the promotion of Christian unity while, at the same time, granting legitimate diversity in the expression of our common faith, affirmed the statement, adding that the provision of this new structure is consistent with the commitment to ecumenical dialogue, which continues to be a priority for the Catholic Church.

However, the Apostolic Constitution does not change or alter the church law on celibacy for Catholic priests

“The possibility envisioned by the Apostolic Constitution for some married clergy within the personal Ordinariates does not signify any change in the Church’s discipline of clerical celibacy,” stated the Holy father's press statement.

According to the Second Vatican Council, priestly celibacy is a sign and a stimulus for the pastoral charity and radiantly proclaims the reign of God (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1579)

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Malindi Diocese gets an Apostolic Administrator

2009-11-09T18:41:00.004+03:00

Pope Benedict XVI has appointed his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Paul Darmanin (pictured, left), as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Malindi.

According to a communiqué dated November 3, 2009, and signed by Monsignor janusz Urbancysk, the Charge d’ Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature in Kenya, Bishop Darmanin will administrate the diocese till new bishop is appointed and installed.

The communiqué read: “I have the honour to forward to you the original Decree sent by the congregation for the Evangelisation of peoples, by which your Lordship is appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the vacant See of Malindi up to the date of installation of the new Bishop.”

The seat was left vacant following the death of Bishop Francis Baldacchino, on October 10, 2009, while undergoing medical treatment in Malta, his country of Birth, where he was buried on October 14, 2009.

Bishop Darmanin is the Bishop of Diocese of Garissa.

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Synod's Kenyan Delegation visits with Kenyans in Rome

2009-10-26T09:12:00.002+03:00

Kenyan delegation to the just concluded Second Synod for Africa, led by Cardinal John Njue had the opportunity to meet with the Kenyan community living in Rome.

At a dinner hosted on Saturday evening by Her Excellency Anne Belinda Nyikuli, Kenyan Ambassador to Italy at her residence in EUR, Cardinal Njue appreciated the good work done by the Ambassador and her staff in Italy and for the hospitality accorded the Kenyan delegation during the Synod.

Welcoming the delegation to her residence, her Excellency the Ambassador thanked and praised the catholic leadership in Kenya and prayed for more guidance in their leadership for the people in our country.

On Sunday after the formal closure of the Synod, the Cardinal led the Kenyan delegates to meet over 100 Priests, Religious men and women and laity at St. Peter’s College.

Fr. Jack Wainaina, chairman of the group, thanked the bishops for their time and prayers for the students and people who live and work in Rome. He said that though we may not be endowed with many things, as Africans and as Kenyan, we are rich in faith and humanity.

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Second Synod for Africa concludes

2009-10-26T08:40:00.001+03:00

“Courage, Get up African continent, the land that welcomed the Saviour when as a child he had to take refuge with Joseph and Mary in Egypt!”

These were the words spoken by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in Rome as he concluded the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.

Accompanied by Cardinal Francis Arinze, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier of South Africa and newly appointed President of the Pontifical Council for justice and Peace Cardinal John Turkson, together with all the Synod delegates, the Holy Father concluded the special assembly sending the pastors back to their flock in Africa with a message of hope.

Echoing the words of the Gospel about the cure of the blind man Bartimeus by Jesus, he said Africa had suffered for too long from the slavery of famine and diseases. “It is time to arise and to walk in the light that Christ provides,” he said.

He Termed the synod as carrying a message of hope for Africa, hoping that the deliberations and the outcome would achieve true reconciliation, justice, and that agents of evangelization would be true salt of the earth and light of the world.

The colourful liturgy that was animated by choirs from Nigerian and Ethiopian, among others, concluded three weeks of intense deliberation, culminating with a release of a message by the Synod fathers, which urged Africans to rise from the times when Africa was described as ‘a dark continent to a new dawn where it must be a continent of light and hope’.

With the celebration, the synod fathers return to their respective countries and dioceses. A council of 15 people that was elected towards the end of the synod, together with the Synod secretariat will work on the final product of the synod for the Holy Father to exalt later.

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Africa's Special council named

2009-10-25T08:57:00.002+03:00

Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi, and the president of the Kenya Episcopal conference, is among 15 members of the Special Council for Africa of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops.

Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, Secretary-General of the Synod of Bishops, revealed the names of the council members of which, 12 were elected by the Assembly for Africa of the synod, while His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI appointed three.

The other member members are:

Cardinal Wilfred Fox Napier, archbishop of Durban, South Africa;

Cardinal Francis Arinze, retired prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments;

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana, president of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Western Africa;

Cardinal Theodore-Adrien Sarr, archbishop of Dakar, Senegal, first vice president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar;

Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo;

Archbishop Norbert Wendelin Mtega of Songea, Tanzania;

Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria;

Archbishop Simon Ntamwana of Gitega, Burundi, president of the Association of Episcopal Conferences for Central Africa;

Archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua of Bamenda, Cameroon;

Archbishop Odon Marie Arsene Razanakolona of Antananarivo, Madagascar;

Bishop Youssef Ibrahim Sarraf of Le Caire of the Chaldeans, Egypt;

Bishop Maroun Elias Lahham of Tunis, Tunis;

Bishop Edmond Djitangar of Sarh, Chad;

Bishop Francisco Joao Silota M. Afr. of Chimoio, Mozambique, second vice president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

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Vatican: Ghana's Cardinal Turkson gets top post

2009-10-25T08:40:00.003+03:00

Peter Kodwo Appiah Cardinal Turkson, Archbishop of Cape Coast, Ghana has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. He succeeds Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, who goes on retirement.

The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace promotes justice and peace in the world in accordance with the Gospel and the social teaching of the Catholic Church.

The announcement of Cardinal Turkson’s appointment was made on Saturday, October 24, by Rev. Fr. Federico Lombardi, Director of the Vatican Press Office during a Press Conference when Cardinal Turkson was about to present the propositions of the Synod of Africa to journalists accredited to the Holy See’s Press Office, in Rome.

Cardinal Turskon told the journalists that he accepts the appointment with all humility and thanked the Holy Father for having offered him the opportunity to serve the Church in this capacity.

The new President of the Justice and Peace Council was born on 11th October 1948 in Ghana. He was ordained a Priest on July 20, 1975. In 1992 he was appointed Archbishop of Cape Coast. The late Pope John Paul II made him a Cardinal on October 21, 2003. He took part in the April 2005 Conclave that saw the election of the present Pope- Benedict XVI.

With this appointment Cardinal Turkson will have to move to the Vatican.

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Synod for Africa nears conclusion

2009-10-23T18:25:00.004+03:00

With just a few hours to the conclusion of the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, the delegates have released a message to the PEOPLE OF GOD prior to the final document to be read and voted for tomorrow morning in the Synod hall.

In their detailed message covering areas that featured iduring the three-weeks Synod, the delegates have reiterated their call for true healing., justice, peace and reconciliation in Africa, calling it "no longer a ‘dark’ continent but a continent of hope'.

The statement was presented to the international press at the Vatican by Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja Nigeria, bishop Youssef Ibrahim Sarraf Caldean bishop of Egypt and bishop Francisco Joao Silota of Chimoio, Mozambique together with Fr. Federico Lombardi, head of the Vatican Press office.

The messages contains 7 distinct parts.

Acknowledging that Africa forms part of the global Church, the message urges the global church to continue its solidarity with Africa, all as members of the Family of God.

The message challenges the African bishops to prioritize on issues of reconciliation, justice and peace and making them a pastoral agenda of each diocese.

Terming the priests as necessary and close collaborators of the bishops, the Synod Fathers have urged them in this year dedicated to them to renew their commitments and be true signs of reconciliation and peace by harmoniously living together regardless of their tribal differences.

To the public leaders, the Synod encourages them to participate in church work through promoting common good even while in those public offices.

The synod fathers have also described the Christian families, Catholic Women, Catholic Men, youth and Children as agents of evangelization.

On HIV/AIDS, the Bishops, through the 'Synodal' message, highlight how the church has been involved in this ministry with love and care and applauds many people who take care of the infected and the affected in our land.

Stating that it is now time for Africa to rise up, the message recognizes the efforts to liberate Africa of any kind of bondage or alienation. It however regrets sad crises in Somalia and the Great Lakes region.

The Synod fathers have also expressed great concern on the poor leadership in Africa that has led to destruction of our environment, arms dealing, human and drug trafficking, among other evils bedeviling Africa, calamities that have led to immense poverty, misery and diseases; influx of internally and externally displaced persons, brain-drain to the developed world, wars and bloodshed, et cetera.

In total, the Synod fathers' message has 43 points and ends with a prayer

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Comboni Missionaries elect new superior

2009-10-22T11:18:00.003+03:00

Fr. Rodrigue Enrique Sanchez was last evening elected the new superior general of the Comboni Missionaries replacing Fr. Terresino Serra who has served in that same capacity since 2003.

During the ongoing chapter of the congregation taking place at the Generate in EUR, Rome, Fr Rodrigue was elected by the delegates to head the over 1700 member-strong congregation that is spread in all continents of the world.

Until his appointment, Fr. Rodrigue was working as head of Costa Rica and Guatemala in Latin America.

Born in 1958 in Mexico, Fr Enrique has worked in Chad, and has lectured in Peru. His term takes effect immediately and will run for six years.

The Congregation started by St. Daniel Comboni in 1867 has strong roots in Africa for which it was founded under the founders motto 'AFRICA OR DEATH'

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Bishops' Solidarity with the suffering in great lakes

2009-10-21T17:47:00.002+03:00

As the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops draws to its close, issues that prompted the convocation of the Synod still continue to affect the church in the region.

This was demonstrated when the Synod Fathers together with the Holy Father sent a message of solidarity to the Bishops of the Great Lakes region and expressed sorrow at the persistent wars in the region and the great suffering of the people there. The Synod Fathers expressed their great concerns over the plight of the child-soldiers, orphans and refugees in general.

In their letter, the fathers hoped that at the intercessions of the African saints, Africa would once again experience a lasting peace and that justice would come in those areas and that hearts might be open to the grace of reconciliation with God and neighbour.

The letter was sent to the Episcopal Conferences of Sudan, Uganda, Chad, DRC and the Central African Republic.

Meanwhile, the Synod Fathers are making the final touches to the document that will finally be presented to the Synod Secretariat for Holy Father to finally adopt and later exalt.

The Synod ends on Sunday October 25, 2009.

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Pope opens door for Anglican fraternity

2009-10-21T08:49:00.003+03:00

Pope Benedict XVI has given a nod to the realization of a full communion with the Anglican Church by accepting an Apostolic Constitution that allows for Anglicans to easily become Catholics.

In a statement released on Tuesday Oct. 20, 2009 by Cardinal William Joseph Levanda, President of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith in the Vatican, (formerly headed by the then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI) many groups of the Anglican clergy and faithful have written to the Holy See, requesting to enter into full visible communion with the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Levanda said that the Catholic Church in the forthcoming document provides for the ordination of married former Anglican clergy as Catholic priests. However, the Cardinal clarified that historical and ecumenical reasons precluded the ordination of married men as bishops.

The document that is yet to be released to the public is said to seek to balance ‘on one hand the concern to preserve the worthy Anglican liturgical and spiritual patrimony and, on the other hand, the concern that these groups and their clergy will be integrated into the Catholic Church’.

The Cardinal however, clarified that ‘the unity of the church does not require a uniformity that ignores cultural diversity…’

He said that in the Constitution that is now in the final phase, contains proposals to form Personal Ordinaries (dioceses) with structures similar to that of the Military Ordinariates to take care of the brethren who formerly were of the Anglican faith and have since joined the Catholic Church.

In a statement jointly released in London to coincide with the announcement in Rome by Archbishop Vincent Gerald Nichols of Westminister and Dr. Rowan William, archbishop of Cantebury, the two Anglican leaders, confirmed the announcement and said the announcement brought to an end a period of uncertainty for groups that had requested to enter into full communion with the catholic church. The two leaders went on to appreciate dialogue that has gone on for over 40 years between the Catholic church on one hand and the Anglican on the other.

History
The schism (split) that led to formation of Anglican church (church of England) away from mother Catholic Church came in the sixteenth century when King Henry VIII declared the Church of England independent of Papal authority. However, it was only in the mid-nineteenth century that the interest to enter into dialogue developed.

In 1982, the Anglican Diocese of Amritsar of India and some parishes in the United States maintained the Anglican identity but entered into the Catholic Church under some guidelines approved by Pope John Paul II.

This latest development does not however change the Catholic opposition to ordination of women or the ordination of gay priests.

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Malindi Diocese celebrates life of their late Bishop

2009-10-21T08:28:00.002+03:00

Following the death of Rt. Rev. Francis Baldacchino, the Bishop of Malindi and the subsequent burial in Malta, His Lordship Philip Anyolo, the acting Chairman of Kenya Episcopal Conference, presided over Holy Mass at the newly renovated Cathedral of Malindi on Sunday 18 October, 2009.

The solemn Holy Mass was attended by a large number of the faithful of the diocese who, since they didn’t have the opportunity to go to Malta,(where the late was buried on October 14, 2009) came to celebrate the life of the late Bishop Baldacchino.

The liturgy was organized very well. At the end of the Mass there was a great joy as the sadness that had clouded the faithful was lifted up. It was for them like the funeral Mass they never attended and at the end of it all they commended their late Bishop into the Hands of the Lord.

On behalf of all the bishops in Kenya, Bishop Anyolo, who was accompanied by Fr. Dominic Kimengich, the acting Secretary General Kenya Episcopal Conference, encouraged the faithful to be firm in their faith and to cherish the time the late Bishop shared with them as their shepherd.

“The motto of Bishop Baldacchino was: they may be closer together and therefore it becomes an incentive for them to remain united as one family of Christ,” he said.

He exhorted the clergy, the faithful and the religious in the diocese to continue the good work that Bishop Baldaccchino had left behind.

“Also, pray so that the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, may give you another shepherd when the time comes who will carry on with the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Malindi,” said Bishop Anyolo.

The faithful of Malindi are now anxiously waiting for the shepherd who will be their administrator during this time of “Sede Vacante”, since even the office of the Vicar General ceased with the death of the Bishop.

Bishop Anyolo assured them that the Church will take care of that concern as soon as possible.

The late Bishop Baldacchino is well remembered for many spiritual, pastoral and social development developments he initiated, since he became the Shepherd of the newly established diocese of Malindi in 2000.

From the seven parishes that were there when he took over as the Bishop of Malindi, now there are seventeen parishes that make up the diocese. From the one local clergy that was there, now there are ten diocesan priests together with missionary priests ministering in the diocese.

A very modern pastoral center and the diocesan secretariat bear testimony to the legacy of a hard working bishop that had great vision for the diocese of Malindi.

Vicar General Rev. Fr. Albert Buijs, Fr. Ambrose Muli and Fr. Peter Karanja, the assistant Parish priest of the Cathedral have continued to work tirelessly to ensure normalcy of things following the untimely death of the Bishop.

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Pope Benedict marks World Mission Sunday

2009-10-19T17:13:00.003+03:00

The Church exists to proclaim the message of hope to all of humanity, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said on World Mission Sunday October 18, 2009, at St Peter's Square, Vatican, after leading pilgrims in the Angelus prayer.

The Holy Father called on the Church through-out the month of October to rediscover her mission and led by the Holy Spirit to continue proclaiming a message of justice, peace and joy to all.

In the church calendar, October is dedicated as the month of missionary outreach/work.

The pontiff paid tribute to agents of evangelization who have given their lives to the missionary work but continually face hardships, even persecutions.

He said he is looking forward to the outcome of the Synod of Bishops for Africa being held in Vatican, terming the emerging issues so far discussed as a manifestation of extreme sacrifice and love for Christ and His Church.

The Holy Father, who has been attending the proceedings of the meeting, called on the visiting pilgrims to join in special prayer for the Synod and Synod Fathers.

Meanwhile, the Synod entered its third and final week today. The Holy Father is scheduled to celebrate the concluding mass of the Synod on Sunday 25th October at the St Peter's Basilica in Rome.

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KEC-CS Press Statement: Religious Dress in Catholic Schools

2009-10-19T12:13:00.002+03:00

"On 13th August 2009, His Eminence John cardinal Njue, Chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference and all the Catholic Bishops in Kenya wrote a letter to all Catholic public Sponsored and private schools informing them that the issues of HIJAB in schools needs consultation. Consequently, they asked that the STATUS QUO – BEFORE the issuance of the circular from the ministry of education – BE MAINTAINED in these schools until an agreement is reached amicably. Thus, they instructed that the code of dressing, as per the admission requirements be adhered to in all Catholic schools.

"Earlier Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley, Bishop Chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference Commission for Education and Religious Education, had written a letter dated July 15th, 2009 to the permanent secretary, ministry of Education, questioning the directive that the permanent secretary had issued regarding religious dressing on July 14th, 2009 and called for dialogue and consultation before implementation. He also recommended strongly that the directive and implementation be withdrawn.

"The need for consultation and dialogue arises from the fact the Catholic Church has her own religious traditions, discipline and philosophy of education that is cherished and held in all catholic schools. This is what has made Catholic schools what they are. For that reason, the Church has to be involved in any decision that might affect her directly or indirectly. In addition the directive was issued without taking into consideration the views and concerns of the Catholic Church and other Christian churches.

"It is a well known fact that Catholic schools all over the country are open to all children regardless of their social status or religious affiliation. This is why the Church is careful to maintain a certain degree of uniformity in her schools for the good and interest of all as she endeavours to build one people and one nation.

"Therefore, the recognition of any religious emblem is and should be subject to consultation with sponsors of the respective schools. Otherwise, it means that the sponsor’s role is no longer recognized by the ministry of Education and this is against the 1968 Education ACT (Revised 1980) which has not been repealed. In this matter of the religious dressing, therefore, the Catholic Church is requesting that her rights and concerns be respected and the issue be subjected to consultation and dialogue by all stakeholders in education with the aim of reaching an amicable agreement.

"We wish to point out that any concern as to why the Catholic Church has not implemented the circular of the permanent Secretary – Ministry of Education – in her public sponsored and private schools should only be addressed to the chairman of Kenya Episcopal Conference and not the heads of the respective institutions.

"In conclusion, we pray that this matter of the Hijab he handled with reason and respect, avoiding confrontation and threats, for harmonious co-existence – taking into account that our children are about to sit for the National and end of the year examinations."

Signed

Rt. Rev. Phillip Anyolo
Ag. Chairman; Kenya Episcopal Conference
17th October, 2009

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‘Sudan conflict due to Inequality’

2009-10-16T18:14:00.003+03:00

The people of Sudan are yearning for lasting peace, Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, archbishop of Khartoum has told the Synod of Bishops in Rome.

In his presentation, Cardinal Wako said that Africa now needed courage, to realize all the dreams that the continent has, among them the search for peace.

“The problem between South and North Sudan was a problem ranging from inequalities in development between North and South to inequalities of opportunities accorded to the people of the two portions of the country by the central government,” said the Cardinal, adding that religious and racial differences did not mitigate the situation in the country.

The cardinal lamented the isolation of Sudan by the international community and by NGOs saying that those left to suffer were the population. He criticised those who have taken sides in the conflict subjecting the weak to even greater suffering.

On the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that was signed in 2005 in Nairobi, Kenya, Cardinal Wako said that though conflict had ended, the country still experienced great uncertainty with a very delicate peace in the Sudan.

He prayed that the ongoing Synod of bishops ‘would draw a genuine road map for the salvation of Africa.’

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Comboni Missionary dies in Juba, Sudan

2009-10-16T16:39:00.005+03:00

Comboni Missionaries are mourning loss of one of their missionaries in Sudan, following a fatal road accident.

Fr. Giovanni Fenzi died early on Thursday morning Oct. 16, 2009, after being involved in a road accident near Southern Sudan Capital, JUBA.

According to Fr. Paulino Mondo Twesigye, the Deputy Provincial of the Comboni Missionaries in Kenya, Fr. Giovanni was traveling from the airport where he had accompanied a colleague, Fr. Guiseppe Ciannini, who was travelling to Nairobi.

Fr. Fenzi was alone on his way back from the airport after dropping Fr. Ciannini at the airport, when the accident occurred at around 2am in the morning.

Fr. Giovanni Antonini, who had worked with the deceased in Sudan, and is currently based at the Comboni Missionaries New people Media centre in Nairobi, described the late as very dedicated in his pastoral work among the people on Nuba hills in Sudan, where he ministered most of his priestly life.

Born in 1946 in Italy, Fr. Giovanni Fenzi was ordained to priesthood in 1974, and went to work among the Nuba people in 1976 in the diocese of Elobeyd.

“He was fond of a transistor Radio which he carried most of the time, until one time, the Sudanese government forces fighting the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) suspected him of using the same (which they mistook for a phone) to contact SPLM rebels,” Fr. Antonini told CANAnews.

This led to him being expelled from the country in 1990, which, he later returned to and continued with his missionary work.

Until his death, Fr. Fenzi had been working at the Comboni Procure in Juba.

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Church sends goodwill message to Hindu community

2009-10-16T14:11:00.002+03:00

The president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran has sent a message of goodwill to the Hindu community on the occasion of feast of DIWALI to be marked this weekend.

In his message, Cardinal Tauran prayed that the festival of lights (Diwali) would strengthen fellowship among all faiths and bring blessings of happiness and peace to all.

In line with the traditions of the church council, the Cardinal proposed a common reflection on the need to work together for integral human development which he defined as ‘advance towards the true good of every individual, community and society, in every single dimension of human life: social, economic, political, intellectual, spiritual and religious’.

“The respect for others implies recognition of their freedom; freedom of conscience, of thought and of religion,” said the Cardinal.

He further prayed that all people of goodwill would join together and dispel any hindrance to a true vision of co-existence, religious harmony and integral development for each and every person.

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Archbishop Celli: Promote church communications in Africa

2009-10-16T13:16:00.003+03:00

The president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli wants the bishops of Africa to support and encourage church communications in the continent.

Speaking to the delegates attending the ongoing Synod of Bishops for Africa, Archbishop Celli appreciated the growth that the catholic communication has experience since the last synod of bishops in 1994.

The archbishop said today, Africa has over 160 catholic radio stations broadcasting in 32 countries as opposed to only 15 in 1994, when the last synod for Africa was held.

However, to enhance better communication in the African church, Archbishop Celli has asked for the synod fathers to invest more in training communicators and support the creation of associations of Catholic communicators.

“Time has come for the fast growing media culture to be evangelized and to enter into dialogue with those in the ministry,” he said.

Archbishop Celli addressed the synod of bishops as the gathering entered the crucial phase of group works in readiness for the unification of the propositions by the general secretariat next week.

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Cardinal Njue: Reconciliation a must for Kenya

2009-10-15T12:03:00.006+03:00

Reconciliation in Kenya has not been easy, but it is a path that we must all walk and as a church encourage people to take.

This was said to day by Cardinal John Njue during an international press conference at the Vatican during the ongoing Synod of Bishops for Africa, who also chairs the important information committee of the ongoing Synod

Flanked by Cardinal Napier of South Africa and the popes spokesman, Fr. Federico Lombardi, Cardinal Njue recounted the experience Kenya went through after the 2007 elections terming it as having been a difficult time for Kenya and challenging one for the church in the country.

Respect from Donors
Asked about donors who come to our African countries with hidden agenda, Cardinal Njue said that we all needed help from well intentioned donors, but called for respect from them.

"Whatever came from outside must also respect the local culture and the dignity of the people being helped," he said.

He said farmers are being subjected to great injustices for not being rewarded for their hard labour in their farms by those in western market.

HIV/AIDS interventions
Cardinal Napier of South Africa said the church had set up different institutions to offer accurate information on HIV/AIDS; care for the infected; get more involved in programs offering ART as well as prevention programs to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS.

To the married, the Cardinal reiterated the call for faithfulness and to those yet to get marriage, he called for abstinence.

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The Late Bp. Baldacchino buried

2009-10-14T11:44:00.002+03:00

The late Bishop Francis Baldacchino of Malindi was finally laid to rest yesterday (October 13, 2009) in a send-off befitting a faithful servant during a funeral Mass presided over by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue the chairman of Kenya Episcopal conference at the Maltese Capital, Valleta.

The burial was also attended by among others Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa (Kenya), Bishop Philip Sulumeti, the Vice chairman, Kenya Episcopal Conference and Bishop Paul Darmanin of Garissa.

The Cardinal paid glowing tribute to the late Bishop Baldacchino, whom he said he will be remembered for his selfless service as a missionary in Kenya.

Cardinal Njue described the late as a being 'not only the Bishop of Malindi but a very faithful member of the Kenya Episcopal Conference where he dedicated his energy, wisdom and knowledge at the national (Kenya) Catholic Secretariat, specifically in the Secretariat’s Commission for Inter-Religious dialogue, an area he was an expert.

“May his pastoral zeal , now that he is gone become ours and continue through us who are alive,, that all his pastoral dreams for the Diocese of Malindi may come to fulfillment. ,” said cardinal Njue in his message of condolence.

Bishop Baldacchino who until his death was the ordinary of Malindi was laid to rest in Malta, his land of origin.

At the same time, the clergy, religious and the faithful in the former Bishop Baldacchino's diocese of Malindi celebrated a requiem Mass to coincide with the burial at the Diocese’s St. Anthony cathedral. The Mass was celebrated by the Diocese’s Vicar-General, Fr. Albert Buijs, who said the diocese had lost a humble, faithful shepherd.

“His works speak for themselves, from education to development to pastoral. We have 5 parishes when we were given this diocese in 2000, now, our dear bishop leaves behind 14 Parishes,” said the Vicar-general.

The Diocese will be celebrating another Requiem Mass on Sunday, October, 18.

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Stand up against death penalty, Church told

2009-10-14T11:23:00.003+03:00

Bishop George BIGUZZI, bishop of Makeni and president of the Episcopal Conference of Sierra Leone has urged the Synod Fathers to unequivocally call for total and universal abolition of the death penalty.

Speaking at the Synod of Bishops in Rome, the bishop criticized the brutal treatment of war prisoners and the recruitment of child soldiers calling them crimes against humanity.

“The prophetic voice of the church is needed even when there were no many listeners," he said.

Traumatic Conflict
Meanwhile, Bishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu diocese in Uganda recounted the violence that children in his Gulu diocese have had to bear.

As a result of armed conflict in the region between the government and the Uganda’s Lord’s Resistant Army (LRA) rebels, Bishop Odama said that between 20,000-30, 000 children have been abducted and called for respect for life.

Gulu diocese, the birthplace of Joseph Kony, commander of LRA rebels, has experienced immense suffering, with 90% of the population being displaced as a result of the conflict.

Africa, a Missionary Continent
Speaking at the same gathering, Fr. Speratus KAMANZI, Superior General of the Apostles of Jesus said Africa had now become of age and has become a missionary continent.

He saw the prophecy of Pope Paul VI in 1969 in Kampala, of Africans being missionaries to themselves, as being fulfilled. However, Superior of the Apostles of Jesus which has 400 members, called for more support and encouragements for these missionaries.

He further criticized immigrants to Europe and America, disguising themselves as missionaries, yet are not mandated by any church authority.

HIV/AIDS Stigma too heavy to bear
The AIDS Pandemic has not escaped the attention of our church fathers either.

Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa lamented how people have become tired of hearing or even of talking of HIV/AIDS, including church ministers.

Terming the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS as 'too heavy for anyone to bear alone', Archbishop Lele called for a concerted approach to the pandemic.

He urged the church leaders to be more available to mentor the youth.

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Cardinal Njue, Bishops attend Bp. Baldacchinno’s Burial

2009-10-13T14:31:00.000+03:00

The burial of the late bishop of Malindi, Bishop Francis Baldacchino takes place today at 1500hrs (Kenyan time) in the island of Malta where the bishop was born.

Kenyan delegation attending the burial led by Cardinal John Njue left Rome on Monday (October 12, 2009) evening for the burial.

Together with Cardinal Njue was Archbishop Boniface Lele of Mombasa and Bishop Philip Sulumeti, who are attending the Synod of Bishops in Rome.

Meanwhile, the clergy in the diocese of Malindi in Kenya, the religious men and women as well as the Christians are celebrating a Requiem Mass today at St. Anthony Cathedral to celebrate the life well spent of the diocese’s late Bishop Baldacchinno.

According to Fr. Ambrose Muli, Father-in- Charge at the cathedra, The diocesan Vicar –General Fr. Albert Buijs will be celebrating the Mass at 1300hrs (Kenyan time), concelebrated by the clergy in the Diocese.

“The Mass is respect to our Bishop. We are celebrating it to run con-current with the burial that is taking place in Malta today,” said Fr. Ambrose.

At the same time, the diocese is planning for another diocesan Requem Mass, that will bring together faithful from different parts of Malindi Diocese on Sunday.

Bishop Philip Anyolo, the acting Kenya Episcopal Conference Chairman, who was to celebrate today’s Requiem Mass with the clergy will now celebrate the one scheduled for Sunday.

Fr. Ambrose termed the mood in the diocese as sad. “He is our only Bishop we have known in our diocese, as he was our first shepherd here. We would have felt a little better if he was being buried here. But God does as He wills. Malindi Diocese is young, and we ask for prayers,” he said.

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Cardinal Njue advocates for good Constitution

2009-10-13T14:17:00.004+03:00

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue has said that many countries in Africa are struggling under bad governance, where hunger for power leads to impunity, corruption, and manipulation of people.

While addressing the Synod Father during the ongoing Synod for Africa on Monday October 12, 2009, Cardinal Njue described bad governance as the ‘cancer’ in Africa, blaming it for impoverishing Africans.

He challenged the African public to engage more vibrantly to create just systems of governance through good constitutions.

He criticised leaders who would rather stick to constitutions that give them unchecked power leading to anarchy and dictatorship.

While appreciating the national accord reached in Kenya last year, the Cardinal criticized the slow pace of the proposed reforms, declaring that the ‘time for action was NOW’.

Talking on the same theme of governance, Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Cardinal Napier, O.F.M., Archbishop of Durban,South Africa Spoke of the new form of dictatorship that has take root in Africa.

While appreciating that coup d’état had decreased in Africa, the Cardinal spoke of the form of dictatorship this time led by the liberators. He said that those who were liberators are now the modern dictators.

Cardinal Napier said that political parties had themselves become the new dictators and have been seizing power in African as it recently happened with ANC in South Africa.

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Archbishop Okoth: Reconciliation a priority in Kenya

2009-10-12T17:24:00.002+03:00

Unless Kenyans embrace healing and reconciliation and treat it as a priority, the country would easily revert to lawlessness and bloodshed.

Addressing the over 240 Synod delegates who included Pope Benedict XVI over the weekend, Most Rev Bishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Archbishop of Kisumu recalled how Kenya has been torn apart, with neighbours turning against neighbours, tribes against tribes and even family members against their own kinsmen.

In reference to the post election violence which rocked our country early last year, the Archbishop Okoth recounted to the attentive audience how people were killed, women raped and the numerous destruction of property which followed.

Although this reality is still fresh in our country, the archbishop said that it was time the church in Kenya provided a clear direction on the reconciliation process.

In the same sitting, the Bishop Philip Sulumeti of Kakamega received a thunderous applause by the Synod delegates when he spoke of the need for more involvement of women in the life of the church.

“The church is slowly losing out on women for not making them more participatory, responsible and authentic and visible in our church,” said the bishop, challenging the delegates to make an honest reflection and appreciate the role of women in the church.

The bishop, who is also the vice chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference praised of the women in Kenya for being the work force behind Agricultural and domestic duties

He appealed to the special assembly of Bishops for Africa to give ‘quality formation to empower women and to open for them all social careers which traditions and modern society tend to exclude them without reason’

He called on men to undergo a ‘radical change and a fundamental conversion’

The synod started the second week this morning.

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Requiem Mass, Burial for Bp. Baldacchino on Tuesday

2009-10-12T09:18:00.002+03:00

The Catholic Diocese of Malindi, Kenya, will be celebrating a requiem Mass on Tuesday 13 October, 2009, for their late shepherd, Rt. Rev. Francis Baldacchino, OFM Cap, who passed away early on Saturday 10 October, 2009.

According to Fr. Peter Karanja Kamau, assistant Priest, St. Anthony cathedral in the diocese, the diocese will also hold another requiem Mass on Saturday 17 October, 2009.

At the same time, the burial of the late bishop is to be held on Tuesday 13 October, 2009, at Malta Island.

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue and several other Bishops are expected to attend the burial in Malta.

The Acting Chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, Bishop Philip Anyolo is expected to preside over the requiem Mass in Malindi on Tuesday.

While officially announcing the demise of the late Bishop on saturday, Bishop Anyolo expressed profound sorrow for the loss.

And at the on going Synod for Africa in ROME, Archbishop Nikola ETEROVIC, Secretary of the Synod, broke the sad news to the Synod fathers on Saturday, paying a glowing tribute for the work the late Bishop was doing in Kenya.

The late Bishop passed away while under going treatment in Marsa, Malta Island, off Italian coast in the Mediterranean Sea, after suffering from heart and liver complications.

It is in this same Island, where the late Bishop was born on July 6, 1936. He was ordained priest on March 18, 1961, and appointed Bishop of Malindi on June24, 2000, whereby, he was ordained the Diocesan shepherd on September 2, 2000.

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Cardinal Antonelli: “Repulse Anti-life ideologies”

2009-10-09T11:58:00.003+03:00

Recalling the Holy Father’s inauguration mass homily in which he decried what he described as ‘exporting spiritual toxic waste’ to Africa from the first world, the president of the Pontifical Council for the Family Cardinal Ennio Antonelli called on the African church leaders to be vigilant against ideologies spread by reproductive health centres and some media houses all aimed at the destruction and annihilation of the family.

He said that some international institutions and organisations pretend to advocate for the rights of women and children, but they have other hidden agenda in Africa.

Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Abeokuta in Nigeria said neo-Pentecostalists have invaded the continent and are busy luring the youth into joining them, away from the Catholic Church.

He appealed to the Church leaders in our continent to ensure that no one was ‘anonymous’ in the parishes and that all should feel belonging to the church.

Bishop Adewale said that there was need to create a ministry in each parish that attended to the concerns and needs of the young executives and professionals targeted by neo-pentecostal groups.

Africa, Land of saints

And Archbishop Angelo AMATO S.D.B, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints described Africa as a land of saints.

Recalling the heroism of the Martyrs of Uganda, the wisdom of St Augustine and the witnessing of St Giuseppina Bakhita and many others, all sons and daughters of our continent, Archbishop called on the church leaders to promote more heroic witnesses to the faith in Africa.

22 nations in Africa have 44 beatifications and canonizations in process, 13 Blesseds, 4 venerables and 27 servants of God, among them being Mwalimu Julius Kabarage Nyerere from Tanzania.

Meanwhile, the delegates attending the synod have written a letter of solidarity to the Archbishop and people of war torn region of Bukavu, a letter that was read out at the start of Thursday’s Synod sessions.

On Wednesday, this week, the Archbishop of Bukavu, DR Congo, Mons. Francois Xavier Maroy Rusengo had appealed for solidarity and support from the delegates for his wounded diocese.

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Stand up for prophetic mission, African church told

2009-10-08T14:33:00.003+03:00

Bishop Louis Portella Mbuyu of Kinkala and Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of the Republic of Congo has called on the church in Africa to rediscover her prophetic voice.

Addressing an audience of 244 Synod fathers this morning, the Ordinary cautioned that when overwhelmed by so many injustices and exploitations, the church might stop being moved by this and become used to it, no longer speak and thus abdicating her role as the "voice of those without voice".

Bishop Mbuyu said that the church could only offer this prophetic mission if she herself was a ‘reconciled community’.

He said that the church must always be the base where reconciliation is always present.

Meanwhile, Rome is all ready for the recitation of the Rosary with the Holy Father For Africa and With Africa.

The Holy father will lead in this special prayer and be joined by various university students live via satelite on Saturday starting at 6pm Kenyan time.

Students from many universities, including the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, CUEA are expected to participate.

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Archbishop recounts war atrocities in DR CONGO

2009-10-07T17:42:00.006+03:00

Archbishop of Bukavu in the DRC Mons Francois Xavier Maroy Rusengo today gave a moving testimony of the effects of war in his archdiocese.

He spoke of the traumatic experiences of ravaging war and called on the synod fathers to come up with a message of solidarity with the wounded people of Bukavu.

He told the attentive audience of the burning of parishes, attack and kidnapping of priests and the heavy ransoms the diocese has had to pay to secure release of the priest.

He further asked for special attention to be given to the youth but establishment of joint recreational and cultural activities that would favour true reconciliation.

Environment destruction

From the West Africa, Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Umuahia, Nigeria, strongly castigated the multinationals who exploit natural resources in Africa mindless of the future generations and their livelihood.

He called this a ‘reckless exploitation of the environment’ which would impact negatively on the African continent and threaten any meaningful prospects of peaceful living in the region.

The bishop denounced the destruction of environment in Africa, further calling the Church in Africa to stimulate what he called ‘ecological conversion’ through intensive education.

“The church must spearhead the fight against environmental degradation in order to ensure that the future generations live in an intact and healthy environment,” he said.

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Cardinal Walker: Fragmentation against Christian unity

2009-10-07T13:57:00.005+03:00

Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity has expressed concern over the 'increasingly deepening fragmentation among Christians'.

Though not exclusively an African problem, he pointed out that it is historically entrenched in the continent through the legacy of the "divided Christianity that Africa received".

He said that rapid growth of charismatic and Pentecostal churches has presented a new challenge to any meaningful dialogue due to what he termed as ‘their aggressive behaviour and low theological standards’.

“It is time the church in general and Africa in particular asked itself, not what is wrong with them, but what is wrong or what is deficient with our own pastoral work,” he said.

Cardinal Walter challenged the Synod Fathers to engage in positive dialogue with other faiths in pursuit for unity, singling out strong Small Christian Communities as a basis for true and meaningful ecumenical dialogue.

Human Trafficking

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Berhaneyesus Demerew SOURAPHIEL called on the Synod on Africa to address the root causes of human trafficking, the displaced persons and the abused domestic workers, refugees and migrants and to come up with "concrete positions and proposals to show to the world that African lives are sacred and not cheap" as the media may try to wrongly show.

He urged on the Holy See to appoint a permanent representative to the African Union (AU) whose headquarters are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as an observer in the African forum.

He suggested for a similar appointment from the Symposium for Episcopal Conferences in Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), to further articulate the Catholic voice in the AU.

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Cardinal Wamala decries ‘mild dictatorship’ in Africa

2009-10-06T17:33:00.005+03:00

As the ongoing Synod gathered momentum in Rome, different Synod fathers from different countries continued making their interventions today.

Each member was given fives minutes to make a presentations to the over 250 delegates gathered in the hall who included Pope Benedict XVI who attentively followed all the interventions.

Polycarp Cardinal Pengo of Tanzania and chairman of SECAM described it as unfortunate that many years after Christianity came to Africa, the Church here is still dependent on external donors for its material survival. He called on all the African religious leaders to make the church more self reliant materially.

He saw greed, selfishness and ethnicity as the root causes to our many problems in Africa.

Focusing on the social context of our continent, Emanuel Cardinal Wamala, Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala said though the great growth that has been witnessed in our continent, the new form of ‘mild dictatorship’ is sweeping across Africa, disguised by new leaders who have come to replace the old ones. He said that there was urgent need to evangelize even those in politics because in many of our countries, God is missing.

Bishop Sithembele Anton Sipuka of Umtata Diocese in South Africa said racial challenges are so serious that they are affecting even recruitment in the seminaries. He said that the whites in his diocese were not at ease being together with their black colleagues.

Recognizing the great work done by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and that there was a leap forward in majority rule, however, the bishop said many injustices still exist.

More sessions are underway with Cardinal John Njue later in the evening chairing the Commission for Information.

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Orthodox Church Patriarch: "African is endowed"

2009-10-06T13:24:00.003+03:00

The Patriarch of Orthodox Church in Ethiopia His Holiness Abuna Paulus (Pictured, right) described Africa as a land wealthy endowed with diversity of people and a rich cultural heritage to offer.

In his address to the Synod of Bishops for Africa that is going on in the Vatican, the Head of Orthodox Church in Ethiopia who attended the synod by invitation of the Catholic church appreciated the generosity of our continent as a land where refugees have always found a home with many including Jesus coming to our land, in search for hospitality.

The patriarch however lamented the brain drain of the people of Africa and the consequent continued dependency on the West economically, politically and socially.

On Justice, reconciliation and peace, which is the main theme of the Synodal meeting, Patriarch Abuna Paulus regretted the many civil wars fought on our Continent, while denouncing the use of child soldiers caught in the war of adults. He appealed to the church leaders to speak out in unity to oppose the use of child soldiers anywhere and everywhere in our continent.

“Work for Peace”

He urged all religious leaders to work for peace and to protect the natural resources.

Asking the religious leaders to exercise their particular responsibilities given to them by God, Patriarch Paulus asked all team up in curbing religious extremism in our land.

Pope Benedict XVI who was seated next to the patriarch during the address prayed that the churches should remain close and be a society of integrity and solidarity. He expressed gratitude to the Patriarch of Ethiopia for accepting the invitation to attend the Synod.

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Synod calls for permanent evangelization

2009-10-06T08:55:00.003+03:00

By Fr. Martin Wanyoike, Vatican

The first official day of business begun at the Vatican in the ongoing Synod of Bishops for Africa.

The Synod Fathers gathered in the synod hall had the opening prayers led by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI who later sat through the first sessions.

Archbishop Nikola ETEROVIC Secretary General of the Synod then read the opening speech in which he listed the numerous growth of the Church in Africa. He paid tribute to a number of people whom, since the last synod, 15 years ago, have sealed the ecclesial service with ultimate sacrifice of their lives.

He hoped that the outcome of the Synod’s discussions would translate into initiatives of pastoral activities in evangelizations, human promotion, especially in reconciliation justice and peace.

And Cardinal Peter Kodwo. Appiah Turkson of Cape Coast, Ghana, described the second synod as a continuation of the first. He saw the challenge of the church as a family of God in Africa as still an urgent matter for us all to address.

He explored various challenges facing the church today. “The church in Africa must truly be the salt of the earth and light of the world, he said, adding that there is urgent need for deep and permanent evangelization.

Family under attack

While addressing the press after the morning session, Card Turkson lamented the numerous attacks against the family in the continent and hoped that the synod would seek to strengthen this marriage institution.

The synod enters day 3 with more presentations and later the synod fathers going into discussion groups.

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SYnod Of Bishops Opens In ROME

2009-10-05T09:02:00.005+03:00

By Fr. Martin Wanyoike, Vatican

The second special assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops was finally inaugurated at the St Peters Basilica by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in the presence of 239 Synod Fathers from all across the African continent.

Speaking at the inauguration mass animated by a Congolese Choir together with the Sistine Chapel choir, His Holiness Benedict XVI recalled with great nostalgia his recent experience in the African continent of a people with a great treasure of faith and resources. The pontiff saw Africa as a continent of faith and hope.

However, the Holy Father pointed saw materialism as an ailment in the west that is already infecting the people of Africa. He lamented that the first world had continued to ‘export’ spiritual toxic waste that continued to contaminate the people of our continent. He cited that while colonialism was over politically, it still continued to manifest itself in other areas in Africa.

The pontiff went on to warn of a new ‘virus’ that could hit Africa, namely religious fundamentalism, mixed with political and economic interests. He lamented the spread of this virus with people teaching and preaching not love and respect for freedom but intolerance and violence.

Appreciating the dynamism of faith in our continent, the Pope prayed that the church in Africa would always be a family of true disciples of Christ where the difference between the different ethnic groups becomes a reason for mutual human and spiritual enrichment. He said that though there is poverty, injustice, violence and wars in many countries in Africa, the Church in Africa can give a great contribution to the human family.

Entrusting the proceedings of the synod to the care of Our Lady of Africa, and to the African saints, and to the intercession of St Francis of Assisi whose feast day was observed on Sunday 4th October, 2009, (the inauguration day for the synod), the Holy Father formally inaugurated the special assembly.

The synod begins its sittings today on Monday 5th October, 2009.

The Kenyan delegation is led by His Eminence John Cardinal Njue and has Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Archbishop Boniface Lele, Archbishop Peter Kairu, Bishop Philip Sulumeti, and Bishop Martin Kivuva.

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Otunga’s Beatification: Cardinal Njue Appoints Postulator

2009-09-14T16:53:00.004+03:00

Dated: September 06, 2009

To all the people of God
Archdiocese of Nairobi

The peace of Christ, the love of God the father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. I write you on this day, the 6^th anniversary of the death of the late Maurice Cardinal Otunga.

I have chosen this day, the anniversary of the death of our beloved Cardinal Maurice Otunga, to make special announcement, which I am certain will be cause of great Joy to all the people of the Archdiocese of Nairobi and indeed of the whole of Kenya.

The date for the formal initiation of the cause of Beatification will be announced shortly, but meanwhile I have appointed Fr. Anthony Bellagamba, IMC, as Postulator for the cause of beatification of the late Cardinal Maurice Otunga. He will have the task of gathering evidence, especially from all those who knew Cardinal Otunga closely. Naturally we would like to gather such evidence first from older people – from all over the country who knew the Cardinal in his earlier days. It would be a great help to the cause if such people were to write to me now, with a brief account of when and how closely they knew Cardinal Otunga. I will then pass these letters on to Fr. Bellagamba, who will begin his work once the cause is officially initiated.

All those who had the privilege of knowing Cardinal Otunga have no doubt as to his holiness. However, the church does not lightly proceed to declare publicly that a person is to be considered among the saints in Heaven, one whose life shows how it is possible to become very, very Christ-like. That is why the Holy See requires a proper process that will gather all the evidence of the person’s sanctity, that is, of how he lived the Christian virtues in a heroic manner. The first stage of the process will take place here in Kenya, the second phase will continue in Rome.

Within a few weeks, it should be possible to announce the date of the formal initiation of the cause of Beatification and Canonization of our beloved late Cardinal. It will be a day of prayer and rejoicing, as and even more so, will be a day of the happy conclusion of the process.

Expression of public devotion to the late Cardinal Otunga is not yet permitted by the church until such a date when in God’s providence, he be beatified. However, he always loved his flock and his people and was loved by them. Continue therefore, to have private recourse to his intercession, and get many graces and benefits on each one of us, on his church here in Kenya and on our whole country which he loved so much.

Let us all remain united in prayer during this very important process. With prayerful best wishes, I bless you all.

Your Shepherd

(signed)

+John Cardinal Njue

Archbishop of Nairobi

JCN/ans

Cc – H.E. Alain Paul Lebeaupin

Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya

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“Let Us Save Our Nation!”

2009-09-08T19:00:00.003+03:00

The Catholic Church in Kenya has singled out internal and external insecurity, environmental degradation, food insecurity, plight of the internally displaced persons, impunity and corruption as some of the most pressing issues that need redress to save the nation from further agony.

In a press statement delivered at Maria Polis Centre in Nairobi on September 8, 2009, His Grace Archbishop Zaccheus Okoth, the Bishop Chairman for the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (CJPC) termed it as “worrying” the increased border conflicts between Kenya and her neighbours notably Somalia, Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia, while internally, Kenyans “have become hostages” of insecurity.

“Organized violence has destroyed African identity. This is occurring through incitement, exploitation by the political elite and the inability by a majority in making a living from day to day, with about half the population living below the poverty line,” said the archbishop, adding that the government has responsibility to ensure all people living in the country are safe and secure.

On food security, while urging Kenyans to practise good farming methods, the bishop called on the government to empower farmers through subsidies. Likewise, he advised the government to pump water from water bodies to arid and semi arid areas for irrigation, while providing framework to ensure prices of basic food commodities are within reach of all Kenyans.

He urged the government to come up with a humane policy to resettle Kenyans living in the Mau forest and other water catchments and embark on re-forestation, while saying that the two years given for the Mau task force to oversee that persons living in Mau catchment moved out of the forest as time “too long”.

A complex of an estimated area of 273,300 Ha, Mau Forest in the Rift valley province is the largest water catchment area in Kenya. 25 percent of the forest has been illegally excised for human settlement (with many beneficiaries being high ranking officials and members of parliament in the current and past government).

The complex has been at the centre of controversy as section of political leaders from Rift valley are opposing efforts to remove the settlers till ‘all persons are compensated’, while the government has categorically indicated that only those with genuine title deeds for land less that 5 Ha will be compensated.

While urging the government to act on the plight of IDPs, the Archbishop Okoth said for meaningful reconciliation and healing, there must be restorative justice for the victims.

“There is no ‘either or’ debate. Kenya must have a special tribunal to deal with those who bear greatest responsibility for atrocities committed during the 2007/2008 Post-election violence (PEV), and the masterminds and financiers should go to the international Criminal Court,” said the Archbishop.

During the said violence, over 1000 Kenyans were killed while over 300,000 more were internally and externally displaced from their homes/ lands. Most of the IDPs are still in temporary camps, a year and half later.

The archbishop said transitional justice is only possible where accountability, truth recovery, institutional reforms and reparations are availed.

While commending the Kenyan cabinet for ratifying the national land policy, Archbishop Okoth urged the government to also implement fully recommendations from various Commissions (of inquiry) and task force committees, singling out Waki Report (on Commission of inquiry on Post election violence (CIPEV)), Kriegler report on 2007 elections, and Ndung’u report on Land issues.

Others include Ramsley report on Police reforms, and Akiwumi report on ethnic land clashes.

The Archbishop spoke against ‘continued wrong decisions made by (Kenyan) leadership without further reflections on the consequences on the citizenry of Kenya including extra-judicial killings, ad hoc creation of districts, looting of public coppers, land grabbing and rampant corruption’.

Archbishop Okoth said the CJPC is carrying out constitutional education for the public, while calling upon Kenyans to engage meaningfully in the process towards a just and democratic constitution.

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University Don: Genuine Reforms Key to Lasting Peace

2009-08-27T09:49:00.005+03:00

It is only through long-term reforms that Kenya will address the deep-rooted causes of conflicts, a university don has said.

Dr. Robert Mudida, a lecture at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi singled out comprehensive constitutional review as the main way to address most of the underlying concerns in the country.

Addressing a workshop of the superiors of 64 religious Orders based in Kenya but working all over Eastern Africa in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, Dr. Mudida expressed fear that unless institutions of governance are strengthened, Kenya faces a threat of sliding back into much worse crisis than that bedeviled the country early in 2008.

“ We know what problems are, and what are the solutions, but the issue is in the implementation, and that is why we should continue with the pressure over the political class,” he said.

The two-day workshop held from August 25, 2009, was aimed at establishing Shalom Centre for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR), a Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya (RSCK) initiative geared towards assisting in conflict resolution and reconciliation processes in Kenya, according to the RSCK Chairman Fr. Patrick Devine, SMA, who is also one of the three directors of SCCRR.

A concept paper on the initiative has it that the center will concentrate its activities at the grass root to effectively consolidate peace and promote healing among different warring communities.

Conflict still needs to be followed up by the processes of reconciliation among parties so that peace can endure, the paper states.

Dr. Mudida, also another SCCRR director illustrated the role of the church in the initiative: “The church is very influential at the grass root and therefore holds a vital role in the reconciliation process in this country. For true reconciliation, there must be truth, mercy, justice and peace, and the role of church in this need not to be emphasized.”

SCCRR has been a resultant of the a need to find resolutions to recurrent conflicts among the pastoral communities, especially in Northern Kenya, as well as the traumatic experiences after the 2008 post election violence in the country.

Bishop Patrick Harrington of Lodwar diocese (inhabited by Turkanas), which experiences major conflicts among the pastoral communities as a result of cattle rustling and competition for resources including livestock food and water reservoirs, expressed support for SCCRR initiative, saying there is need to seek to understand root causes of the conflicts and possess the necessary skills to resolve then in order to yield true peace.

“This is especially true when people are being killed on daily basis, maimed and displaced while schools and hospitals are made inoperable,” he said.

And at a remote and conflict prone Turkwel parish in Lodwar Diocese, Fr. Oliver Noonan said that Gospel and its values regarding peace; justice, development and integrity of creation cannot take root in such conflicting environment.

“We would be very open to spend quality time in looking at such conflicts in Turkana. I wish to support all the efforts that can be made in such valuable and vital work by the “Shalom Centre” (SCCRR). We offer our utmost encouragement and collaboration,” he said.

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Participate In Census, Church Tells Citizenry

2009-08-22T14:19:00.007+03:00

The Catholic Church has thrown its weight behind the coming count on the Kenyan population to be held on the night of August 24, this year.

However, His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, the chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference cautions that the government must address the fears that have tagged the coming exercise.

In a signed statement, the church encourages all Kenyans to participate in the process.

"As Kenyan citizens we have rights and responsibilities to ensure we contribute to the common good of our country. This process is a necessary/prerequisite to an objective process of assignment of resources.

“The census is not an end in itself but a means of ensuring social and economic justice. It is important for good planning and delivery of services by the Government and other stake holders,” Cardinal Njue said in the statement.

Some people have expressed concerns over design of the questionnaires to be used to gather information during the count. Of concern are questions touching on ethnic background of the respondents, with some interest groups demanding exclusion of such questions. Other groups have threatened not to participate in the exercise citing lack of government’s response to their plights. In this category are Internally displaced persons as a result of the post-election violence in 2008.

“The Government should seriously address these fears as they are legitimate in our day and time,” said the cardinal.

Security issue has also cropped up dominantly especially during the exercise.

Cardinal Njue proposed that Census officials have clear identification and the Government should give practical assurance of security. It is not enough to promise police patrols as this has failed Kenyans in the past. “There must be practical and real signs of security, especially in these times of power rationing and black outs,” he said.

Currently, Kenya is undergoing power rationing as a result of drying rivers, which the country depends on its hydropower generation.

The government has said that the Enumerators will be in red T-shirts, with specific identification, and in company of officials from the provincial administration, including the village elders whom local people can easily identify, with police being on the ground to provide security, in the case of metropolitan centers such as Nairobi.

At the same time, the Cardinal appealed to Kenyans to see the collection of information such as on ethnicity or religion as a celebration of our beauty in diversity. “This should help to make us realize that the details are fundamental to data and equitable attention in planning,” he said.

As a way to build confidence with the questionnaire design, the government has made it optional for one to give out details of his/ her ethnic background during the census.

The government has moved in to dissuade misinformation arising from the exercise through massive media campaign, including use of paid adverts

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Archbishop Mayala Rests in Peace

2009-08-19T17:49:00.002+03:00

Archbishop Anthony Mayala of the Archdiocese of Mwanza, Tanzania is dead.

According to the Very Rev. Fr. Pius Rutechura, the Secretary General for the Association of member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Archbishop Mayala passed away on August 19, 2009 as he was undergoing treatment at Bugando Hospital, Mwanza where he had been rushed in the morning after experiencing some health complications.

“Actually, these news are coming too fast, for as early as yesterday, the archbishop spent the day in his office and was healthy,” said Fr. Rutechura.

The Secretary General could not immediately confirm the cause of the death, though he said the late bishop was suffering from hypertension.

The late former board member of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa was born in 1940, ordained Bishop of Musoma diocese, Tanzania in 1979, and later ordained the Archbishop of Mwanza in 1987, an archdiocese he was shepherding till his demise.

Fr. Rutechura, who, as the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference, worked with the deceased for six years described the late archbishop as ‘fatherly, caring, and strong believer of unity and togetherness’.

The burial plans are yet to be made.

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World's Oldest Student Passes Away

2009-08-14T16:52:00.003+03:00

Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge, the oldest student in the world, is dead.

Kimani, 89, who was baptized on 24 May, 2009 during the celebration of the World Communications day at Kariobangi Holy Trinity parish in Nairobi, taking “Stephen” as his patron saint, passed away at noon on friday August 14, 2009, according to his Parish Priest, Fr. Paulino Mondo.

Stephen Kimani’s determination to get education despite his advanced age won him accolades world over when he enrolled for primary education in 2004, aged at 84 when Kenyan government introduced the free primary education in the country, a feat that made him claim his place in history and the Guiness book of records, as the oldest student.

He had declared that one of his reasons for going back to class was to learn how to read bible.

His education was briefly disrupted by the post election violence that rocked Kenya in December 2007/ January 2008, rendering him an internally displaced person, with the church coming to his rescue when he was relocated from violence hit Eldoret town in Rift Valley to Nairobi, where he enrolled at Marura primary school in Kariobangi, while being sheltered at the nearby church owned Cheshire home for the vulnerable persons.

According to Fr. Paulino, Mzee Stephen Maruge was suffering from stomach cancer.

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Church Hails President’s Directive on Death-row Sentences

2009-08-05T10:47:00.002+03:00

Kenyan Government took one step closer to what many see as doing away with death penalty after President Mwai Kibaki ordered all the current sentences for 4000 death-row inmates in Kenya prisons be commuted to life imprisonment.

However the president was categorical that this did not abolish the death penalty as a punishment for capital offense.

A statement released by the Presidential Press Service (PPS) on Monday 3rd August, 2009 stated that: “In exercise of powers conferred upon him by the Constitution sections 27 (C) and 29 (2) President Kibaki, upon the advice of the Constitutional Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, said that the decision was necessitated upon consideration of many prevailing facts”

President Kibaki said that by commuting these sentences to life imprisonment, the affected inmates will be able to work. As per law, those sentence to be executed are not supposed to work, and are usually secluded, under 24 hour watch from prison authorities.

According to the President, this led to idleness, which in turn affected discipline in prisons. It also impacted on the prisoners' mental health.

Since 1987, no inmate under death penalty has been executed.

This announcement by the government has been lauded by the Catholic Church in Kenya and other human rights activists as a ‘step in the right direction towards abolishing death penalty from our statutes’.

Even more heartening is a direction from the President that the government is to assess whether the punishment was having any impact on the fight against crime.

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Cardinal Njue Now Okays Charismatic Group Activities

2009-08-03T15:27:00.004+03:00

The movement to undertake its activities under supervision from Parish Priests

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, the Archbishop of Archdiocese of Nairobi has given a nod for the charismatic movement in the archdiocese to continue with its activities, but under the supervision from the parish priests.

Lifting a suspension imposed on the movement in February, on Friday July 31st, 2009, Cardinal Njue termed some of its activities as more protestant than catholic.

During the Pentecost Sunday Mass this year, as he clarified the purpose of ‘putting on hold’ the charismatic movement’s activities in the archdiocese of Nairobi in February, the Cardinal had said that ecclesial movements (such as Charismatic movement) even if approved by the Holy Father must operate under the close eye of the ordinary under whose jurisdiction they are operating.

“There are some areas that I must say, need keeping, and I needed to look into that,” he had said, adding that Catholic Church has structures of doing things, which must be respected.“As the shepherd here, if there are some activities that are contrary to the doctrine of the church, I have the right to stop that. There are some things that I can not just say ‘it does not matter’. That is why I told them to hold on,” he said, stressing that these movements are meant to be instruments to deepen faith of the faithful and not to destroy it.

Following the lifting of the suspension, the leaders of the movement present during the Friday July 31st meeting promised to work under the guidelines specified by the cardinal.

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Bishop Schilder Retires as Ordinary of Ngong Diocese

2009-08-03T10:37:00.005+03:00

Cardinal Njue appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Rt. Rev. Cornelius Schilder (Pictured) as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ngong.

According to a statement released by Fr. Martin Wanyoike, the Communications Secretary at the Kenya Episcopal Conference- Catholic Secretariat, the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi communicated on August 1st, 2009 (1300 hours, Kenyan time) that the holy Father also appointed His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, the archbishop of Nairobi, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese as from August 1st.

Bishop Schilder, 68, who has recently suffered from poor health, the grounds that necessitated his request to the Holy Father to release him from his duties, has been the shepherd for Ngong diocese since November 6, 2002.

He was ordained priest in 1968.

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Embu Diocese’s Third Bishop Ordained

2009-07-27T11:06:00.001+03:00

I am good shepherd for you and for all, he declares

On a raised, meticulously decorated altar, in front of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Embu diocese, His Excellency Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin and several bishops joined thousands of faithful, including the clergy, religious, political and civic leaders, as well as faithful from other mainstream churches to witness as the Diocese got its third shepherd.

This was during a beautifully animated ordination Mass on July 25, 2009.

His Lordship Bishop Paul Njiru Kariuki became the third Bishop of Embu, with a double joy of being ordained and installed to the seat by the first Bishop of the very same diocese, His eminence John Cardinal Njue.

And the new shepherd declared that his primary goal is to ‘lead all souls to Christ, at whatever price’.
The Papal ‘Bull’, an official decree from Vatican that appointed and granted permission for the new Bishop to be ordained was read in Latin, English and finally in Ki-Embu, the local dialect to thunderous applause of the congregation.

“By the virtue of our supreme apostolic power, we appoint you the Bishop of the diocese of Embu. We further decree that you be ordained by a catholic Bishop outside the diocese of Rome according to the canonically authorised liturgy of the church,” read the ‘Bull’ that was released on May 9th, 2009, before concluding: “ May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy queen of Africa help you from Heaven, together with the faithful of this Diocese.”

Cardinal Njue, who presided over the ordination/ installation helped by the former Bishop and apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, Bishop Anthony Muheria of Kitui, and Archbishop Peter Kairo of Archdiocese of Nyeri, implored the faithful, clergy and religious of the diocese to support the new Bishop.

“He is going to be the custodian of the precious gift, the gift of faith that we received from our predecessors, the apostles. Let all church groups and genuine associations, and I repeat, genuine associations grow together with the new Bishop to be living stones of faith.

And to the new Bishop, Cardinal advised: “People of Embu will be looking at you as a point of reference. Give them the right direction to fulfil their call to holiness.”

His Excellency Alain Paul Lebeaupin, the apostolic Nuncio to Kenya described the ordination as ‘a huge responsibility bestowed and a great feast of the entire catholic church which is Universal’.

“On behalf of the Holy father, I want to thank you all, especially the priests for keeping the unity as you waited for the new Bishop,” he said, adding that this showed great communion in the church.

“You now have two bright sons from this diocese, the Cardinal and the new Bishop, and this means more responsibility,” said the Nuncio.

“This means to be open to all and help, to live the truth of the Gospel and express the love of our Lord to our brothers and sisters,” he said, adding: “God bless you, don’t be afraid, go out and help!”

The Nuncio reiterated the importance of church unity. “You are not a catholic If you are not in communion with the successor of Peter,” he said.

In front of the multitude, the new Bishop revealed his Episcopate motto as “I am the good shepherd for you and for all”.

He conceded that his appointment came as a surprise, as he had ‘never dreamt of such office of this calibre in our Catholic church’.

“I was happy in my humble duty to form the young people whom the Lord had called, but our Lord has decided to add another cross on my humble vocation. Therefore, in my humility, I come to you with no other greatness other than the ministry of the Gospel,” said Bishop Paul Kariuki.

“I appeal to you, pray for me, love me, listen to me and work with me, for united we stand, divided we fall. I will not fail to raise my voice for the voiceless,” he said

On ecumenism, he promised to work closely with ‘my brothers and sisters from other faiths’.

Before cutting the ordination cake, he executed his very first duty upon assuming the office: “I appoint Very Rev. Father Patrick Njiru as the Vicar-General of the diocese, with immediate effect.”

Prior to this appointment, the 46 year bishop was an acting Rector, and formator at the Christ the King Seminary, Nyeri. He holds a baccalaureate, licentiate and doctorate in Sacred Theology.

He becomes the third bishop for Embu Diocese since it was curved from Meru diocese in 1986. The first bishop is the current archbishop of Nairobi, His Eminence John cardinal Njue, with the second Bishop being Anthony Muheria, currently of Kitui Diocese.

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MOU on Health: Government and Religious Organizations Partner

2009-07-09T16:13:00.003+03:00

The Kenyan government will now subsidize efforts by Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in providing health care to Kenyans.

This comes after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on July 9, 2009 between the government and FBOs representatives, including Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC); Supreme council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), at the government’s Ministry of Health offices, Nairobi.

“With signing of this MoU, we now have a partnership framework that will enable government subsidize efforts of our partners,” said Prof. James Ole Kiyiapi, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Medical Services.

The PS praised FBOs for operating health care facilities in remotest areas where public health services are inaccessible or inexistent.

Our job now is to make it easier for our partners, he said.

His Eminence, John Cardinal Njue, who is the chairman of KEC termed the MoU as ‘unique, an initiative to carry on the healing ministry’.

“It is our hope that this will be continued to enable proper services to our people as government and FBOs,” he said.

And Prof Abdulghafur El-Busaidy of SUPKEM said the partnership is a sign the ‘we are focused to make it easier for our people to access health services’.

The MoU was a culmination of efforts between government and the religious organizations to partner in health care that were initiated back in 2004.

While acknowledging that the government has limited resources, Prof Ole Kiyiapi said that the government is adopting an open door policy approach.

“We can complement each other, rather than compete. Instead of waiting until that time when the government will have enough money to provide health care for all, let us look at how effective can we utilize the available resources,” he said.

Such resources will include human resource, drugs and equipment. Prior to this MoU Government has been subsidizing health care in F BO owned health facilities as per specific requests, which have since dwindled due to poor economic growth.

Currently, there are 600 FBO dispensaries in the country that whose drugs supply is subsidized by the government through its Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA). Of these, 250 are Catholic owned dispensaries.

Also, as per MoU, government will, for instance, no longer be posting nurses and doctors to FBO facilities direct, but through the respective FBOs’ Secretariats.

At the same time, Prof Ole Kiyiapi revealed that government will be employing 4,200 nurses of temporary contract basis in the current government’s financial year (2009/2010).

This is meant to assuage a deficit of 18,000 nurses needed in the country. There are 17,000 nurses in the government’s payroll currently. This is part of human resource that is expected to be shared between the partners in the MoU.

According to Dr. Robert Ayisi, the National Executive Secretary in the KEC’s Catholic Commission for Health of Kenya, the Catholic Church provides 30% of all health care services in the Kenya.

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Murang'a Diocese, Here's Your Bishop!

2009-06-30T15:19:00.001+03:00

Bishop James Maria Wainaina Kung’u was finally ordained and installed as the third Bishop of Murang’a on June 27th, 2009, during a celebration that was witnessed by His Excellency Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Bishops, clergy and religious, among thousands of faithful.

The celebration that was led by His eminence John cardinal Njue, co-assisted by Archbishop Peter Kairo (Archdiocese of Nyeri) and Bishop Luigi Paiaro (Diocese of Nyahururu) was held at Murang’a Cathedral compound.

“People of Murang’a, rejoice, for this is the day the Lord has made,” said Cardinal Njue, as Murang’a received its shepherd.

The new Bishop was optimistic that the church will remain united. “It is for this reason that I have chosen my motto to be ‘united in Love’,” said Bishop Wainaina, as he unveiled his Episcopal logo.

At the same time, he adopted the name ‘Maria’. “Mother Mary has a very special place in my life, and to day I wish to add the name ‘Maria’ in my names, so I will be ‘Bishop James Maria Wainaina Kung’u’,” he said.

On the church unity, the Apostolic Nuncio was candid: “You are not appointed Bishop because you are supposed to be appointed, this is a special gift of the Holy Spirit to serve people of God. Many people wanted me to speak last week and I did not, but now I am speaking. Church is one and united.” He was referring to some priests who have defected from the church communion after going back against the church’s doctrine of celibacy, hence incurring excommunication.

He urged the priests to remain steadfast in their vocation.

Raila Odinga, Kenya’s Prime minister reiterated that the government will continue to partner with the Catholic Church to improve the welfare of the people. “You have done very good work in improving the living conditions of people. Church has always been the guide for moral values in our society,” he said.

And President Kibaki challenged the church to keep on positively critiquing the government to ensure that it remains focused to deliver services to people.

The Nuncio termed it as a move in the positive direction that the Prime Minister and the president are united in the coalition government. “This is the way to go,” he said.

President Kibaki urged Kenyans to engage in worthy socio-economic activities that will bring about self-sufficiency in the society, reducing behaviours that may bring about security threats. He was referring to Mungiki sect that has been terrorizing citizens in central Kenya, which is thought to have its origins in the area.

Bishop James Maria Wainaina Kung’u becomes the third bishop of Murang’a after Archbishop Peter Kairo and Bishop Peter Kihara. His eminence John Cardinal Njue was the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese for two years before Bishop Wainaina was ordained and installed.

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Bishops Caution Faithful Against ‘Rebel Priests’

2009-06-17T15:56:00.003+03:00

The catholic Bishops in Kenya have cautioned the faithful against associating with former priests and bishops who have broken away from the communion of the church.

Through a pastoral letter to the faithful on the gift of priesthood and celibacy, that was signed and read to the press by His eminence John Cardinal Njue on behalf of the 25 Bishops of the Kenya Episcopal conference on June 16, 2009 in Nakuru, the Bishops asserted that by their desertion, the said priests are no longer Catholics.

“We are saddened by those unfortunate priests, whom, retaining that special character conferred to them by their priestly ordination, have been unfaithful to the obligations of celibacy they accepted when ordained,” the bishops said.

The bishops singled out the priests who have ‘succumbed to a counter sign of celibate life, have abandoned the pastoral ministry and are now with families’ as well as ‘those who have abandoned the church and defected to some other churches, or want to start their own churches’.

“None of us has the right to want to alter or change what was lived by the Lord Himself and what has been handed down to us by the Popes and the Church Fathers down the centuries,” they said.

The bishops explained that each priest swears before almighty God to obey Bishop, abide by the law of celibacy as well as be faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his church.

“These oaths are solemn and binding forever. They cannot be lightly dismissed under any circumstance. To dismiss them as mere formality is a failure in responsibility and a source of scandal to the catholic faithful that jeopardizes the salvation of their souls,” the ordinaries said.

Of late, former priests who defied their vows of celibacy, hence incurring excommunication have been moving around claiming to reform the discipline of the church.

“The so Called ‘rebel priest’ defies the authority of the church…then a declaration of excommunication is made since excommunication is self-inflicted. It is the person himself who breaks the bond of communion through his actions that are incompatible with the teachings of the church,” said Bishops through the statement.

Accordingly, with proper dispositions and use of the sacrament of reconciliation, the priest in question can only return to the church in a manner prescribed by his bishop, keeping in mind the canonical guidelines.

The Bishops urged the faithful to pray for their priests and the priests of the whole world, while ‘fostering deep respect and a delicate reserve in their dealings with priests, on account of their condition as men entirely consecrated to the Christ and to the church’.

“We turn to the most loving Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of the Church, the Virgin Margin invoking her to protect the Catholic Priesthood with her powerful intercession…At this time when negative forces are being unleashed against the gift of celibacy may the Church in Kenya and the whole world experience once more her powerful protection,” they prayed.

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2009/ 2010 National Budget Devolutionary, says Church

2009-06-16T13:26:00.004+03:00

Kenya Episcopal Conference-catholic secretariat is hopeful that the members of parliament will operationalize the 2009/2010 budget through strong policies, legislations and positive political will.

In a signed statement, the KEC-CS secretary General Rev. Fr. Vincent Wambugu termed the 2009/2010 budget that was read by the country’s Minister for Finance and deputy Prime minister, Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta on June 11th, 2009 as ‘more equitable budget, considering all Kenyans’.

The minister announced various tax cuts during this financial year’s budget.

“We urge the sectors that will benefit from tax reductions to quickly pass the benefits also to consumers. The poor in Kenya are the majority and our policies and practices must be pro-poor…The budget on the ground must reflect the spirit of equity, pro-poor and economic devolution,” he said.

The secretary general expressed concerned that despite the presence of Constituency development fund some areas in Kenya are yet to experience any development, urging Members of Parliament (MPs) to be ‘honest, committed to this goal (to see development all over Kenya), and manage funds well’.

He described the 2009/2010 budget as revolutionary, empowering all Kenyans, adding that: “It is strongly based on equity for all Kenyans; this equity, if realised, could be translated into political equity for all Kenyans, Making us a stronger and cohesive nation.”

He however cautioned that this will not be achieved without strong foundation of honesty, justice and commitment.

“We therefore urge the MPs and the government to quickly move this national budget from paper to reality,” he said.

Contrary to what many expected, government moved on to reduce taxes on several commodities, which many a person have hailed as a huge relief to common person during this time of economic recession.

At the same time, the government has strong used the devolutionary Constituency Development fund structure for its 2009/2010 budgetary planning, which many have applauded as well thought of.

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Church Warns of Ridicule over Expulsion Ban in Schools

2009-06-08T12:36:00.002+03:00

The church is warning that a directive by the government to strip Board of Governors (BOGs) powers to recommend expulsion of errand students from schools is likely to undermine the welfare of students and teachers, exposing boards to ridicule and powerlessness.

In a statement to press, the Bishop Chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference- Catholic Secretariat (KEC-CS) Commission for Education and Religious Education, Rt. Rev. Maurice Crowley pointed out that ‘to insist that Boards of Governors have no powers to recommend the exclusion of students from schools makes a mockery of the Role of the Board as the Management fora for Schools and reduces their meetings to being directionless which will not help either the standard or manner of education’.

“The impression has now been left with students that no matter what they do the matter can be solved by counselling. It is true that sometimes counselling works for a few students but to say that counselling is the remedy for all types of behaviour undermines the welfare of students and teachers and exposes the Board to ridicule and powerlessness,” said the Bishop.

Government through the ministry of education has barred schools’ Principals and B.O.Gs from recommending expulsion of un-conforming students, directing the schools governors to adopt counselling as the only way to instil discipline. At the same time, the government is ‘empowering’ Prefects to monitor the teachers. Caning was banned in schools as a means for discipline following an outcry of misuse of the same by some teachers.

Bishop cautioned that this will not bring harmony in schools.

“It would be better if students and teachers worked in harmony to improve the school in a less formal and forbidding way. Teachers should be respected as responsible professionals. The sins of a few should not be visited on the majority, he said.

“To undermine the authority of the Principal and the Board will only lead to chaos as parents will see no point in attending when called to discuss the various forms of rule breaking of their sons and daughters. In fact the Boards role will be reduced to inquiring into the price of commodities needed in the School,” said the Bishop.

The Bishop further said that matters with regard to education should be handled with care and radical changes made only after much scrutiny and debate.

According to Bishop Crowley, the directive by the government would be injurious and disappointing to both discipline and management of the schools as it seems to ‘abolish the Act of parliament of 1968 in a manner which is piecemeal and alarming’.

According to the education Act 1968 (chapter 211 of Kenya Law); School boards have wide range of functions, including “to superintend the management of public schools’.

This government directive to bar students’ expulsion comes barely months after widespread schools’ unrest that rocked the country mid 2008 affecting over 168 institutions, which also resulted to death of a student. At that time, Kenya’s Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Samson Kegeo Ongeri is on record calling for expulsion of the students involved.

Why Apostates incurred excommunication

2009-06-08T12:25:00.007+03:00

The clerical members of the so-called Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ, who defied the church doctrine of celibacy committed apostacy, hence are no longer members of the Catholic church, Cardinal Njue has said.

According to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary apostacy refers to renouncing or abandoning the faith.

“The Canon is very clear, they have incurred automatic excommunication. We hope Christians understand this. These are personal decisions,” he said.

He said that celibacy is a reality where one commits himself a day before he becomes a Deacon.

“It is not forced on anyone. It is self sacrifice to express your love to God. If you find that you do not have the gift of the kind, there is no need for confrontation, as there is a procedure of dispensation,” he explained.

He urged the Christians to be on lookout for individuals who aim to lead them astray.

Be Patient, Cardinal Njue Tells Faithful over Charismatic Movement

2009-06-04T14:28:00.004+03:00

Nairobi; May 31st, 2009

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue has urged for patience as he investigates the charismatic movement, whose activities he ‘put on hold’ in February.

Cardinal further explained to the faithful in the Archdiocese of Nairobi during the Pentecost Sunday Mass that he is in contact with the leaders of the movement, whom he has shared with them in the recent past.

“There are some areas that I must say, need keeping, and I needed to look into that,” he said, adding that catholic has structures of doing things which must be respected.

While addressing the members of press after the Mass, the Cardinal said ecclesial movements (such as Charismatic movement) even if approved by the Holy father must operate under the close eye of the ordinary under whose jurisdiction they are operating.

“As the shepherd here, if there are some activities that are contrary to the doctrine of the church, I have the right to stop that. There are some things that I can not just say ‘it does not matter’. That is why I told them to hold on,” he said.

He stressed that these movements are meant to be instruments to deepen faith of the faithful and not to destroy it.

Some sections of the media had carried articles alleging that the Cardinal had “banned” Charismatic movement in Nairobi, which the Cardinal clarified that he had only requested the said movement to “hold on” as he investigated its activities.

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