The Anglican Church of Kenya

CURRENT NEWS

First Diocesan Bishop of Kericho

The Rt. Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit who has been the Suffragan Bishop in Nakuru Diocese (Kericho Area) since 19^th December 2004, was elected the first Diocesan Bishop of Kericho Diocese on Saturday, 19^th April 2008. Kericho is a new Diocese curved from Nakuru Diocese from 1^st January 2008. The Bishop’s enthronement service will take place on Thursday, 1^st May 2008 at Kericho.

Archbishop speaks on giving for God's work

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi broke the ground for construction of Mombasa memorial cathedral multipurpose hall which will cost shillings 120 million to complete. Apart from being used for worship, the hall will generate income for the cathedral. The Archbishop was accompanied during the ceremony outside the cathedral by among others the Mombasa diocesan Bishop Julius Kalu and other bishops who were attending a retreat at the ACK Mombasa guest house.

The Archbishop said the church needs to be strengthened in order to function well. This will be achieved by the opening of the multi-purpose hall in Mombasa to generate income needed by the diocese.

Archbishop Nzimbi extrolled the virtue of giving to God for his work as a testimony of the unity of the Christians,their love and zeal for His work.

ACK Bishops to attend Israel conference

Anglican church of Kenya Bishops and their spouses, senior clergy and lay persons plan to attend the Global Anglican Future Conference in Jerusalem, Israel between June 22 and 29^th this year.

Inter-Religious forum pursuit for truth

The inter-religious forum has launched a task force for Kenyans to identify root causes and propose viable solutions to the national crisis facing the country following the December 27^th disputed Presidential results.

The Kenya Thabiti Task Force will guide the participation of religious community in Kenya in the medium and long term levels of resolving the crisis through the outcome of its work.

KENYA'S CRISIS - The road to recovery

Following the post- election violence that marred the image of Kenya as one of the most stable nations in Africa, the country is investing on restoring its past glory, after the signing of a power- sharing deal.
Read more

Consecration

The Rt. Rev. Robert David Markland Martin was consecrated on 6th March 2008 as a suffragan bishop of Marsabit missionary area in Kenya.

In the successful consecration ceremony that was held in St. Stephen's Marsabit, hundreds gathered to welcome the ordained bishop.

Speaking at the ceremony, the new Bishop Rt. Rev. Markland Martin said he stands for the values in the Word of God and will work towards evangelism and meeting the goals of the diocese. The Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi urged the government to look into security, road network, water and other development projects in the area.

In attendance were several bishops, clergy and laity at the colorful ceremony presided over by the Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi. Representing Bishop Markland's family were his wife Sue and their son who followed the proceedings keenly yet joyfully.

Three months ago the church consecrated two suffragan bishops Rt. Rev. David Mutisya for Garissa Missionary area and Rt. Rev. Cleti Ogeto for Lodwar Missionary area.

We pray that God will grant them strength and wisdom to lead the people as good shepherd.

Archbishop of York visits Kenya

The Church of England Bishop Dr.John Sentamu has urged the political divides of Kenya to put the interests of the people first.

The Archbishop of York who is also a member of the House of Commons in the UK, was speaking after conducting a Sunday service at the All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on Sunday 10th February 2008. Present was Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, ODM leader Raila Odinga and his wife Ida. Dr. Sentamu urged the Kenyans to steadfastly hold on to the country’s democracy and peace.

To complete the purpose of the trip, Bishop Sentamu visited the internally displaced at their camp in Eldoret. Full report

Time away for the ACK Provincial staff

The ACK Provincial staff took some time out and away to rejuvenate, packaged in a two-day retreat held at St. Julian's retreat Centre in Limuru on 7^th and 8^th February. The itinerary united the staff in a common bond, with connect, play and pray principles on the top notch.

Gracing the event was the presence of The Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi who attended the first day of the retreat and shared some key virtues on family life.

Bishop Lawrence Dena, the current provincial secretary was in attendance proving the solidarity of the ACK Provincial staff. Among the topics shared include Teamwork, Family life and Family budget.

Praise and worship was no exception, the staff joined in the daily devotional sessions a reminder that all we do is for building God’s kingdom. The games defied age and rank, as all participated in musical chairs, football and catch-me- if- you- can.

More than the serene environment, great company and sumptuous delicacies, it’s the participation of the team that made it a worth- while getaway. Too much work and no play….not with the ACK Provincial staff.

ACK response to post- election violence in Kenya

After the post- election violence that affected various parts of the country, humanitarian aid is needed to help the internally displaced resettle and reconstruct their lives.

Thousands of families at the camps are lacking basic needs and requirements. The Anglican Church of Kenya has teamed up with other churches, local and international organizations to meet the immediate needs.

Interventions so far

1.Members of the ACT Kenya Forum (AKF) have met and are remaining in constant contact as they plan a response to the humanitarian needs. The ACT Kenya Forum has already mobilized the following resources:

Church World Service (CWS) is providing emergency food relief (US $20,000) for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nairobi slums, who urgently need assistance. CWS is working through its implementing partner, the Kenyan Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC).
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is providing food relief (US $28,000) for IDPs in Kisumu. NCA is working through its implementing partner, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK).
Dan Church Aid (DCA) has committed $22,500 to Anglican Church Of Kenya Eldoret CCS to provide relief food.
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has committed $ 25,000 to ELCK and KELC at the coast.
Christian Aid is fundraising for $60,000 to support interventions in IDCCS- Nyanza.
Diakonie Emergency Aid is fundraising for Free Pentecostal Church in Kenya in Western and Nyanza.
Diakonia will support NCCK in their interventions in Western.

2. Several national forums have being set up to discuss intervention strategies, we are constantly updated on the progress.

3. The RCCS in the affected areas – Eldoret, Mt. Kenya East, Mt. Kenya, Nakuru- have developed their concepts and approached their regular development partners. Eldoret has received commitment from ICCO the other RCCS are still waiting.

Way Forward

ACT Kenya forum members are developing an appeal – ACK component will have Nakuru, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kenya East Regions.
Continue to participate in the ACT and other national meetings.
We are appealing to other partners for support. You could contact us through ackdev@africaonline.co.ke for comments or any available support.

Post- election violence in Kenya

Thursday 27th December 2007 marked an important day in the Kenyan calendar as the citizens went to the polls to elect civic, parliament and presidential leaders. They voted peacefully and eagerly awaited the results.

On Sunday 30th December 2007, following the announcement of the results of the Presidential elections the country was plunged into an unprecedented violence and lawlessness characterised by ethnic hatred, murder, arson, looting and all kinds of threats and intimidation.

Church denies circulating Raila- Muslim MoU documents

We have noted with concern the allegations made in the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) website that the office of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi was involved in circulating the Raila - Muslim MoU document.

We wish to put the records straight. The Anglican Church of Kenya was neither a part to nor a participant in the alleged circulation of the MoU documents.

We have received copies of the said MoU documents like anybody else in the country.

We therefore take great exception to insinuations or allegations by anybody against the Church.

The church's stand on various issues affecting the country

The Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi has issued a pastoral letter stating the Church Stand on various issues affecting the country.

The Archbishop's message is contained in a letter dated 6 th November, 2007 to all the Anglican Bishops.

It highlights some topical issues which the Church feels should be addressed as campaigns for political positions in the country gathers momentum. Click here for the Pastoral Letter

Inter-religious forum launches peace initiative

Religious organizations in Kenya have launched a peace campaign to ensure a peaceful and secure process as the December 2007 general elections approach.

The campaign whose slogan is "Chagua Amani Zuia Noma" (Choose Peace, Avoid Chaos) was launched recently by President Mwai Kibaki at a colorful ceremony at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre grounds.

The Chairman of the inter-religious forum, The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi had this to say during the launch the Statement

ACK consecrates two suffragan bishops

Rt. Rev. Bill Atwood

Rt. Rev. Bill Murdoch

The Anglican Church of Kenya has consecrated the Rev. Canon Dr. Bill Atwood and Rev. Bill Murdoch as Suffragan Bishops of All Saints Cathedral Diocese, Nairobi to serve her international interest in USA where the Church has more than 30 congregations.

The two Bishops will collaborate with others in the common cause network chaired by the Rt. Rev. Duncan (Pittsburg) to provide Episcopal care and oversight strategically uniting a broad conservative coalition that share historic Anglican faith and practices.

The consecration of the two Bishops was presided over by the ACK Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi and attended by among others 10 Anglican Primates from around the Anglican Communion, a clear testimony that the consecrations are an appropriate response to the challenges of mission in the complex environment in the world today.

Addressing a Pre-Consecration International Conference, Archbishop Nzimbi said the fabric of the Anglican Communion has been torn by the actions of the Episcopal Church over the issue of same sex unions.

“It is evident that the conflicts in the communion affect us all and we have a responsibility to address the areas that we are able to impact” he said.

He said the decision to consecrate the two Bills was after extensive consultation in the Global South with unanimous consent of the Provincial Synod and the ACK House of Bishops.

The sermon at the All Saints Cathedral was given by the Primate of West Indies, the Most Rev. Drexel Gomez

Archbishop Nzimbi condemns MPS' proposal to increase their allowances

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, expresses deep concerns over the Members of Parliaments' proposal to increase their allowances.

Below is his press statement.

PRESS STATEMENT
BY
THE MOST REV. BENJAMIN NZIMBI,
THE ARCHBISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF KENYA

Friday, July 27, 2007

We recognize the role played by the National Assembly in making legislation, providing checks and balances to the other organs of government as well as parliamentarians' responsibility of representing the millions of Kenyans.

However we are deeply concerned by the MPs intention in the current proposals by the Minister for Finance to amend the National Assembly Remuneration Act to be included in the Statute Law (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill to give the Members of Parliament a severance allowance.

We take notice that this sitting of Parliament has been characterized with unanimous salary and allowances increments since its inauguration in 2003.

It is evident that our Members of Parliament have put themselves as a unique group of Kenyan workers whose category is different with special needs that do not take into account economic development and the plight of the rest of the people.

The proposal has no basis at all and cannot be justified especially taking into consideration that there is no other category of Kenyan workers who benefit from such. The members of parliament have been serving a full term of 5 years with all their monthly pay and there is no justification for a severance allowance.

This proposal is a clear evidence of abuse of power and duty and is a perpetuation of political class economic injustice and a negation of good governance principles of accountability, honesty and responsibility.

We are deeply concerned that the same MPs who refused to have their hefty allowances to be taxed in order to finance the public goods like free education, health care and security, have instead sought to allocate themselves taxpayers' money to the tune of billions.

We see this decision and proposal as selfish, individualistic and a sure way of neglecting the plight of millions of poor Kenyans who are actually the voters. We cannot therefore allow this manner of conduct by those who are meant to be serving Kenyans to continue as it now renders Kenyans and taxpayers to be at the mercies of the MPs. This negates the justice that God demands of our leaders to be given to the poor, orphans and widows.

We further note that with this kind of behaviour, it is evident the kind of Parliament that we are bound to have should it be allowed to have absolute powers to control itself without any checks and balances from the other 2 organs of government that is executive and judiciary.

We are therefore calling upon all parliamentarians to desist from perpetuating this injustice especially as we go to the elections. We further call upon the Minister for Finance withdraws his proposals for the amendments.

In addition, we are calling upon the president to intervene on behalf of the millions of poor Kenyans who are in dire need to financial support from state resources.

We therefore ask Kenyans who are also the voters to reject this manner of operation by Members of Parliament.

ACK provost appointed NCCK General Secretary

The Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi the Very Rev. Canon Peter Karanja is the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary.

Rev. Canon Karanja succeeded Rev. Mutava Musyimi who has decided to take early retirement from the position of NCCK general Secretary.

The appointment was announced on 25th July 2007 in a press statement signed by the NCCK Chairman Bishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala and the out going General Secretary Rev. Musyimi, during the organisation's National Executive Council meeting held at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.

A Masters of Divinity Degreee (MDIV) holder Rev. Karanja is married to Rev. Jane Karanja and are blessed with three Children.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya is the umbrella organization for most of mainstream Churches in the Country.

The Organization Executive Committee appointed a 15 member search committee which advertised the position, received applications and nominations from member Churches. Rev. Karanja was nominated by ACK.

At 47 years, he serves NCCK with a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record in Christian Ministry spanning 14 years

Go for HIV test now, Nzimbi

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi has been tested for HIV, with a call to Parliamentary and Civic aspirants, top company and parastatal managers to go for it.

Here is his speech when he was tested at All Saints Cathedral on Sunday June 24^th.

“The church has a biblical mandate to contribute to the fight against HIV & AIDS by joining other stakeholders and being in the fore front in prevention and care for its own members who have not been left behind in eh escalating pandemic.

AIDS is largely seen as a consequence of sinful or immoral sex. Religious and cultural values consider sex to be a private issue that should not be brought out in the public arena.

The despair, hopelessness and silence that surround death have therefore been closely associated with AIDS as well. Inadequate understanding of HIV transmission has led to fear of contact and avoidance of persons with AIDS, as a means of protecting oneself from getting infected with HIV.

AIDS related stigma is the highest hindrance to effective response to the fight against HIV-AIDS. This stigma has resulted in the church and community perception that AIDS is as a result of sex and sin. Due to this, people fear to know their HIV-AIDS status because there are inadequate support systems for people who test positive.

Why VCT?
In a country where the prevalence rate of HIV is currently, 6% there is 94% of the population who are negative. Surprisingly only less than 30% of the people know their HIV status thus making behaviour change communication messages difficult.

70 – 90% of those who are positive do not know that they are positive.
Those who know that they are positive fear to disclose their status.
Those who disclose do it too late to benefit from services available.
Some HIV people get infected and die from preventable and manageable illness.

I therefore join other National and church leaders in saying that the war against HIV-AIDS must be accelerated to a notch higher.

I have taken this step to test for HIV at this VCT centre put up by All Saints Cathedral as a call to all Anglicans and Kenyans to follow suit and test.

I also urge all Bishops, church clergy and lay leaders of the church to speak more boldly and frankly about AIDS to our congregations and especially our youth. And finally, I ask all established churches to partner with all service providers in order to build the necessary synergies in the fight against HIV-AIDS.”

ACK joins other Ecumenical partners in discussing water crisis in Africa

The Anglican Church of Kenya joined other Ecumenical Partners in Entebbe Uganda to discuss the water crises in Africa.

ACK was represented by DOSS Director Mr. Eliud Njeru, Ukambani CCS Director Mrs. Esther Musili and Eldoret Region CCS Project Officer Rev. Maritim Rirei.

ACK DOSS and UCCS made a presentation on the Church's participatory approaches to water supply and sanitation. Eldoret CCS shared on water based confilict.

Below is the joint statement issued from the conference:
Entebbe EWN Statement.pdf

Bishops and spouses retreat in Mombasa

Anglican Church of Kenya Bishops and their spouses attended a 5-day retreat in Mombasa from April 23 rd to 28th on the theme “Renewal in the church”.

Facilitated by a team from Soma International US, United Kingdom , Nigeria and Uganda , the retreat covered topics such as kingdom of God in Kenya , Shedding of innocent blood, impotent church, broken covenants, immorality, idolatry, witchcraft and slavery. During the retreat, the Church and Equity Bank management signed a memorandum of Understanding. Earlier the bank CEO had addressed the group on “Financial Literacy”.

The US based Five Talents jointly with ACK Directorate of Social Services (DOSS) made a presentation on Micro-enterprise development while the Church Commissioners for Kenya CCK talked about Provident Fund operations.

Described by Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi as ‘busy and fruitful' the retreat gave an opportunity to the Bishops and their wives to discuss broad issues facing the Church and the need for Christian leaders to look “into themselves first”. The below press statement was given by all the Bishops who attended the retreat.

PRESS STATEMENT

We Bishops of the Anglican Church of Kenya meeting here in Mombasa do hereby express our concern on the current situation in our beloved country.

We believe that all human beings are created in the image of God and as such it is the responsibility of every person irrespective of their tribe, religion, social status or otherwise, to respect and protect life . We observe that there is a progressive degeneration of respect and value of human life. Cases of rape, assault, drug abuse, illicit brews, incest and other social vices are a result of decay in the moral fabric of the society.

GENERAL INSECURITY

The church is Concerned over general insecurity and breakdown of law and order in most parts of this Country. This has resulted in death of innocent people and loss of their property.

We believe and uphold the sanctity of life and Condemn any acts of lawlessness that may cause loss of lives as this affects families and the country at large.

The security of Kenya is paramount. The Government must therefore spare no efforts in ensuring that it does not compromise on matters of security .

ILLEGAL SECTS/GROUPS

We are worried over the re-emergence of illegal sects/groups like Mungiki which were banned several years ago but continues to cause mayhem in some parts of the Country. We appreciate the Government for sending security personnel in these areas to track down the perpetrators of the sect members and the mayhem they are causing.

CLASHES

We have noted with concern the ethnic clashes in various parts of the country particularly in Mt. Elgon area, Tana River and Tharaka in Meru. Once again lives are being lost.

Utterances and pronouncements by certain political leaders are likely to fan ethnic animosity and hatred as the country prepares for the December General Elections.

The Government has a duty to ensure that Kenyans live harmoniously in every part of the country and are provided with a conducive environment to co-exist. As Bishops of the Anglican Church of Kenya, we call upon all Kenyans to take the responsibility of ensuring peaceful co-existence and respect for one another. Since the perpetrators of such violent acts are in most cases known to the public, the Government should use its machinery to ensure that the violent killings and destruction of property are stopped forthwith.

We have noted over time in this country that there is a culture by our politicians seeking positions of power at the expense of the lives and property of the people of Kenya . Instead of being the cause for destruction, we wish to see politicians as role models in society and we therefore call upon any aspiring candidates for political power to be good role models in leadership, cohesiveness and accountability of public resources and human life.

SIGNED:

1. The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, Archbishop of Kenya/Chairman
2. Rt. Rev. Stephen Njihia Nakuru, Diocese /Dean of the Province
3. Rt. Rev. Joseph Wasonga, Maseno West Diocese
4. Rt. Rev. Stephen Kewasis, Kitale Diocese
5. Rt. Rev. Josiah Were, Nambale Diocese
6. Rt. Rev. Dr. Samson Mwaluda, Taita Taveta Diocese
7. Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu, Mombasa Diocese
8. Rt. Rev. Francis Abiero, Maseno South Diocese
9. Rt. Rev. Joseph Kanuku, Machakos Diocese
10. Rt. Rev. Thomas Kogo, Eldoret Dioceses
11. Rt. Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala, Bungoma Diocese
12. Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Taama, Kajiado Diocese
13. Rt. Rev. Daniel Ngoru, Kirinyaga Diocese
14. Rt. Rev. Charles Gaita, Nyahururu Diocese
15. Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Githiga, Thika Diocese
16. Rt. Rev. Johannes Angela, Bondo Diocese
17. Rt. Rev. Beniah S. Okumu, Mumias Diocese
18. Rt. Rev. James Ochiel, Southern Nyanza Diocese
19. Rt. Rev. Peter Njoka, Nairobi Diocese
20. Rt. Rev. Josephat Mule, Kitui Diocese
21. Rt. Rev. Charles Mwendwa, Meru Diocese
22. Rt. Rev. Timothy Ranji, Mt. Kenya South Diocese
23. Rt. Rev. Joseph Kagunda, Mt. Kenya West Diocese
24. Rt. Rev. Isaac Ng'ang'a, Mt Kenya Central Diocese
25. Rt. Rev. Michael Sande, Butere Diocese
26.Rt. Rev. Henry Kathii, Embu Diocese
27. Rt. Rev. Zakayo I. Epusi, Katakwa Diocese
28. Rt. Rev. Allan Waithaka, Assistant Bishop Mt. Kenya Central
29. Rt. Rev. Lawrence Dena, Provincial Secretary

ACK bishop to chair Ufungamano initiative

Mbeere Diocesan Bishop Gideon Ireri is the new Co-chair of Ufungamano initiative, a body of religions organizations which has been involved in the review of the constitution agenda since 1999. The position of the chairman was previously held by the Rev. Mutava Musyimi.

The Ufungamano initiative comprises of Kenya Episcopal Conference, Anglican Church of Kenya, PCEA, SDA, SA, Methodist Church , Evangelical alliance of Kenya , NCCK, Organization of African Instituted Churches, and Hindu Council of Kenya. Supkem was also a member but pulled out over the debate on Kadhi Courts in the constitutional review.

The new Secretary to the initiative is Mr. Charles Wambugu who took over from the long serving J. J. Mageria.

Church body advice on Constitution reforms

The Ufungamano Initiative comprising Kenya Episcopal Conference, Anglican Church of Kenya, Presbyterian Church of East Africa, Methodist Church of Kenya, Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, National Council of Churches of Kenya, Organization of Africa Instituted Churches, Seventh Day Adventist Church, salvation Army, and Hindu Council of Kenya, has been involved in the review of the constitution agenda since 1999 as a body of religious organizations.

Ufungamano has been meeting and deliberating on matters of the review of the constitution consistently since inception.

Ufungamano had even established a People's Commission on the review which later merged with the Government Commission (CKRC) headed by Professor Yash Ghai.

The Ufungamano Initiative has had serious concerns on the clamour for “minimum reforms” by politicians in Parliament. Ufungamano has spoken on this matter before.

On 7 th December 2006 , Ufungamano met and issued a statement observing that politicians were only interested in securing themselves the benefits of short term amendments to our constitution. Once their desire for “minimum reforms' is realized they would no longer be keen in advancing the agenda for comprehensive review of the constitution. It was clear that the push for “minimum reforms” was a sectoral agenda which did not consider the interest of the Nation at large. Ufungamano saw the danger of political boardroom deals being made to the detriment of comprehensive review which Kenyan have always cherished.

As expressed in the earlier statement Ufungamano wishes to advise Kenyans of every description that trying the constitutional concerns to general election would endanger the process of constitution review seriously. Constitution review and the general election should be de-linked. The review is a process; general election is an event. The two have different objectives.

There is also the question of whether Kenyans can address matters of the constitution soberly in the year of a general election when politicians are suffering from election fever and trying to make mileage from short term amendments.

The ongoing talks on the “minimum reforms” between politicians are misplaced. The proposed reforms are clearly not minimum. They are heavy matters touching on the constitution. They country cannot allow parliament to change the constitution on its own at will.

It is important to remind Kenyans that, the politicians in Parliament today, were elected freely and fairly under the current, constitution in 2002. The same constitution is capable of moving the country from the present Parliament and Government to the next Parliament and Government.

Framework for Review of the constitution

fungamano urges Parliament to do what is absolutely necessary too safeguard the entire review process in the interest of the country. Parliament should enact the framework for comprehensive review in order to entrench the review in the current constitution. The bills on the review which are waiting should be passed as a matter of priority binding the next Parliament and Government to facilitate completion of the process of constitution review.

These are our demands- MOPA

Over 20 organizations including the Anglican Church of Kenya have joined hands to demand accountability by leaders aspiring for Presidential and parliamentary seats in the December general elections

Under the movement for Public Accountability, MOPA the organizations have come up with a charter demanding that each of the 2007 parliamentary aspirants commit themselves to certain issues.

These include reduction of MPs salaries from the present Ksh.850,000.00 to Ksh.400,000.000 commitment to non-discrimination, accountability to political parties, recovery of public resources, matters of security, diligence in parliament and transparency.

First Anglican bishop in the armed forces

Colonel Rev. Peter Wanyonyi Simiyu is the first Protestant (Anglican Church) Bishop of the Armed Forces in Kenya .

He was consecrated and enthroned the first Suffragan Bishop of Armed Forces Protestant Chaplaincy at a colourful ceremony presided over by Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi at Holy Trinity Church , Embakasi Garrison on February 7 th 2007 . Archbishop Nzimbi said later “This is history. After many years, we have at last the first ever Bishop in the Armed Forces”.

Bishop Simiyu 51, a father of five children has worked as a teacher and priest before joining the Armed forces as a chaplain. Married to a teacher Rosemary Mulimba, he got promoted to full Colonel last year. In his sermon, Archbishop Nzimbi reminded the new Bishop that he was called to be a shepherd to the flock that Christ had put in his care.

“You are called to lead in serving and caring for the people of God and work with them in the oversight of the church. As a chief pastor you are to share with your fellow Bishops a special responsibility to maintain and further the unity of the church and particularly be a focus of unity in the Chaplaincy”

The ceremony was attended by service commanders and addressed by the minister for Defence Njenga Karume.

Church speaks against Global Warming

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi on Thursday 9^th November 2006 hosted at All saints Cathedral a public lecture on Climate Change to coincide with the on going united Nation Climate Change Conference, which is being held at the United Nation Environmental Programme Headquarters Gigiri Nairobi.

Heads of faith-based organizations, Government representatives, NGOs, Clergy, Laity and a cross section of people attended the public lecture. The lecture is a series of events organized under AACC (All Africa Conference of Churches) and Caritas (Catholic Institutions) to speak against global warming.

Under the AACC – Caritas ecumenical platform, Christians all over the world and Kenya in particular are demanding that the world should begin to work towards reversing global warming.

The UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC) is taking place in Nairobi from November 6^th to 17^th as a forum for all to speak out against climate change. The Thursday lecture was part of the events organized.

The main speaker was Dr. David Hallman Executive secretary of the World Conference of Churches (WCC) working group on climate change.

In his message, the Archbishop said “The Earth is the Lords and everything in it, the World and all those who live in it – Psalms 24:1 NIV Version.

So the earth belongs to God and we belong to the earth. We cannot afford to over exploit it.

It is evident the greatest impact of climatic change is already felt in Africa and more so among the already vulnerable communities.

I call upon the entire International Community to be sensitive to the plight of those communities by doing what is within their power to reverse the trend of global warming.

Additionally as an urgent measure a special fund for Africa should be established to facilitate adaptation of the communities affected by global warming. Such a fund would need to be channeled directly to those communities.”

Dr. Hallman led people through the below Spiritual Declaration on Climate Change,
Made by faith community participants during the
UN Montreal Climate Conference
COMP11/MOP1
December 4, 2005

We hear the cry for the Earth.

We believe that caring for life on Earth is a spiritual commitment.

People and other species have the right to life unthreatened by human greed and destructiveness.

Pollution, particularly from the energy-intensive wealthy industrialized countries, is warning the atmosphere. A warmer atmosphere is leading to major climate changes. The poor and vulnerable in the world and future generations will suffer the most.

We commit ourselves to help reduce the threat of climate change through actions in our own lives, pressure on governments and industries and standing in solidarity with those most affected by climate change.

We pray for spiritual support in responding to the cry for the Earth.

Church involvement in politics and clashes in Mathare and Kuresoi areas

At least 40 people have been killed and thousands displaced in Mathare, Kuresoi, Molo, Laikipia and Mt. Elgon areas in the past two months in mounting insecurity according to the media report.

As the situation improves, the government however is being taken to task over general insecurity and laxity in dealing with the matter firmly.

The faith based organizations, NGOs, Lobby Groups, MPs in the opposition parties and a cross-section of Kenyans are concerned about the situation.

In a statement, the ACK said,

"We the Anglican Church of Kenya recognize that Kenya is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-racial nation that recognizes personal liberties of every citizen to express themselves and participates in national affairs. We also acknowledge that Kenya is a country where democracy is upheld in giving every citizen a right to participate in governance at all society levels.

There has been the current debate on Christian’s joining politics which has generated divergent opinions. We would like to reiterate the fact that any individual no matter their religious affiliation have the liberty and freedom to engage in politics at whatever level as they express their patriotism and commitment to good governance in Kenya. On that note, every Christian as an individual has a right to join politics and seek any political affiliation as their political ideologies guide them.

On the other hand the church in Kenya has actively participated in the political process since time immemorial. This has been through areas like constitution making process, public policy governance, encouraging the members to be responsible citizens in management of national affairs among others.

The church has always remained a moral conscience for the society in all areas of life. It is therefore a wrong notion from a section of Kenyans who want to create religious disharmony by asserting that the church should not be involved in politics. However, we would like to correct the notion that the church is sponsoring candidates for the upcoming general elections. We would like to clarify that the church is an institution that brings together people of divergent political affiliations and views and therefore cannot form its party or front its candidates to any political party. We therefore urge Kenyans to exercise understanding and recognize the liberty of individuals to join any political affiliation no matter their religious beliefs. Our responsibility in this Nation is to play the prophetic role. "

CLASHES IN MATHARE AND KURESOI

On the same note, we take deep concern with the current wave of ethnic conflicts in the country especially the heightened ones in Kuresoi and Mathare valley. It is serious that such a beautiful country is being destroyed by tribal animosity fuelled by partisan interests of individuals. We are urging the government to take the undercurrents in these volatile areas and sensitively confront the issues at hand. As the custodian and protector of people’s liberties, the government has the machinery, all necessary resources and power to bring order and harmony in these areas. We are therefore calling upon the government to speed up the conflict resolution process in these areas. We are also calling the warring groups to cease from their differences and seek dialogue and lasting solutions for harmonious living. We call upon Kenyans also to be careful of leaders who are out to raise tribal animosity for their own personal gains.

Finally, we call upon all Kenyans to pray for this Nation, live together as brothers and sisters and make Kenya a peaceful country for all. Amen.

Archbishop Nzimbi meets think tank group

Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi formally met the professional people nominated as members of the church public watch dog or as suggested the ‘Policy Reference Group’.

He said, “We see the potential among us. It is reflected in the diversity, knowledge, experiences and professional background of all that are gathered here. But we also see more; we see fervent passion, reflective reason, unity of purpose and informed action”.

The Archbishop was speaking during a briefing and induction meeting for the nominated team of eminent professionals held at the garden tent of the ACK Guest House.

He was accompanied by among others the ACK Missions Co- ordinator Canon Rosemary Mbogo, DOSS Director Eliud Njeru and Provincial Staff.

Congratulating the team for their nomination, the Archbishop said the need to assemble them arose as the church took a critical look at events unfolding in the country in the light of the church role as “conscience of the nation”.

“It is for this reason we are looking inwards into the Anglican family” he said in reference to the nominated professionals who are all members of the Anglican Church.

The group is expected to make valuable contributions towards sound government policies give inputs to bills tabled for debate in parliament, policy reforms especially to make them sensitive to the poor.

Canon Mbogo said the church has a wealth of variously gifted people whose potential can be harnessed to enhance the church social transformative mandate.

The team is made up of among other professionals, economists, lawyers, theologians, administrators, development experts and management consultants.

One of its agenda will be to assist in organizing public lectures as suggested by the Archbishop on topical issues at the All Saints Cathedral.