About ACK

Nakuru and Kajiado Dioceses Welcome New Bishops

After the peaceful process held on Saturday 26th November 2011, Canon Joseph Kamwati Muchai was elected the new Bishop of Nakuru Diocese. On the same day, Rev. Gadiel Katanga was elected as the new bishop on Kajiado Diocese.

In a colorful ceremony held on Sunday 8th January 2012 in Nakuru, he was consecrated and enthroned as the new bishop of the diocese. Bishop Muchai is a holder of Masters degree in Theology from Queens University in Belfast . He is married and blessed with two children. Bishop Kamwati succeeds Bishop Stephen Njihia Mwangi who has served in the diocese for 21 years.

Kajiado Diocese also welcomed the new Bishop Gadiel Katanga Lenini in a consecration and enthronement service which was held on Sunday 15th January 2012. A graduate of St. Paul's College in Limuru, Bishop Katanga has been the provost of St. Emmanuel Cathedral in Kajiado. He is married and blessed with three children. Bishop Katanga succeeds Bishop Daniel Taama who has served in the diocese for 14 years.

ACK Speaks Comfort to Kenyans

The Provincial Synod of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) meeting at the All Saints’ Cathedral Trinity Centre on 30th September 2011 expressed concern about the calamities experienced in the recent past in our country.

In a press statement released, Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala, spoke a message of comfort to those who have lost loved ones in the several cases of road carnage, the Sinai slum and Busia tanker fires, deaths caused by the consumption of lethal local brews, collapsing of buildings under construction and the inhaling of poisonous chlorine fumes in Shauri Moyo. "Some of these disasters are preventable, if only individuals and corporate institutions would be more proactive in protection of human life," said the Archbishop Wabukala.

As the cost of living escalates, the church urged the Government to consider eliminating some of the taxes temporarily until the economic crunch is over to show solidarity with the majority of Kenyans who are struggling to make ends meet. They also called upon the Parliament to respect the decision of Kenyans to vote in the Proposed Constitution and refrain from piecemeal amendment to alter the election date of general elections from August to December of every fifth year. Instead, it was recommended that Parliament awaits the outcome of the Supreme court ruling on the issue.

Kenyans were also urged to remain calm and let justice take its course as the hearings for confirmation of charges continue in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague. The pursuit of justice for the victims of the post- election violence experienced in Kenya in 2007, has been one accompanied with controversies on the investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators."The church will continue in prayer as we trust for peace and solidarity of Kenyans during the upcoming elections and a common desired future," said the Archbishop.

ACK Holds Consultation on Development

Over 70 Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) development actors from various regions in the country congregated in ACK Imani Guest and Conference Centre in Nakuru for a two- day consultation to review ACK work in social transformation. The ACK Archbishop, Provincial heads of departments, Provincial boards' chairmen, Board of Social services, representatives from various regions and Directorate of Social Services (DOSS) staff were among the participants.

The ACK has been doing development work around the country for over 35 years with great success and impact. The operational context and landscape has changed tremendously over the years thus necessitating the consultation to discuss ways of improving the work.

ACK Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, called upon the development agents to familiarize with the new constitution in order to contextualize and make relevant the social transformation approaches in future. Archbishop Emeritus David Gitari, drawing from Matthew 9: 35- 38, challenged the participants to reach out to the needs of the communities they serve since development is the bridge to evangelism.

ACK's re-engineering of the development work design seeks to give it a new lease of life and vigor to keep it efficient, relevant and competitive in the coming years. As regions displayed their work, it gave an opportunity for stakeholders in ACK development to meaningfully interact with the ongoing work in the communities, with a view to re-direct the strategic direction of this work.

ACK hopes to make the consultation an annual event where local stakeholders in form of owners and doers of development work can get together to showcase their work, identify gaps and deliberate on how to sustain and grow the development agenda of ACK.

KAYO Holds Annual Conference in Nakuru

The annual Provincial Kenya Anglican Youth Organization (KAYO) conference dubbed “Tuvute Pamoja” was held at St. George's Grassland Academy in Nakuru Diocese from 8th to 13th August 2011. The theme “Together for Christ” was drawn from Amos 3:3 that says, “How can two walk together unless they agree?” The conference was officially opened by the Archbishop of Kenya, The Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala during a Holy Communion service in which he launched the KAYO Strategic Plan 2010-2013.

Various bishops and clergy were present among them the host Bishop Stephen Njihia of Nakuru Diocese and the Provincial KAYO chairman, Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit of Kericho Diocese. The Military Episcopate Diocese provided their army band that led the conference in praise and worship alongside regional worship teams. Bishop Dr. Joseph Wasonga of Maseno West Diocese was the conference main speaker. He became a ‘wounded healer' delivering God's word with utter simplicity bringing many young people to faith in Christ. The program included interactive workshops with various topics among them “sexuality” that was led by a professional counselling consultancy team from Kenya Youth for Christ.

Among the highlights of the event was the “Talent Night” where the young people expressed their talents and creativity through folk songs, solo and group songs, poems, dances and skits. The clergy and other church leaders were urged to effectively use the talents for holistic ministry of the Church especially for reaching out to the youth who are not in the Church.

In the cultural night, the youth dressed in different attire representing the rich cultural heritage from various tribes across the nation. The salient message underlying this gesture was an invitation to accept and embrace all cultures and celebrate what they bring to the body of Christ, for the purposes of national cohesion and peaceful inter-ethnic co- existence, especially as the nation of Kenya moves towards 2012 General elections.

The Tuvute Pamoja conference integrated sports activities including swimming in an Olympic size swimming pool, football, netball, basketball and volleyball. They equally enjoyed the fun of swinging, taking walks in the expansive school compound, and playing indoor games. This e provided the youth with an opportunity to build new friendships, learn from one another, show-case talents and share unique stories.

A total of 1500 trees were planted by the youth, with 1000 trees planted at St. George's Grassland Academy and 500 trees at Rohi School both in Nakuru. The proprietor of St George's Academy termed the initiative as “A creative and wonderful step by the ACK in engaging the youth in conserving the environment.”

ACK Advocacy Committee Calls For Action

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) advocacy committee meeting at Mombasa Guesthouse on 3rd August 2011, called upon the Government of Kenya to urgently respond to the pertinent issues affecting our country, drought and the slow pace of the constitution implementation process.

In a press release, "A Call to Action," the church commended the efforts of Kenyans to raise funds to provide food in kind for their compratriots affected by drought and famine. They called upon the Government to consider long term intervention such as water harvesting and ensuring adequate food reserves are in stock to avert dire effects of drought in future. "What mechanisms are in place to ensure food harvested in productive areas is preserved in strategic reserves and distributed when need arises?" remarked the statement.

On the Constitition, the politicians were called upon to remain focused on drawing up and submission of crucial bills for debate to facilitate the implementation of the new Constitution, as the first anniversary of the promulgation draws near. That not withstanding, the Constitution Oversight Implementation Committee and the Constitution Implementationj Committee were lauded for their efforts and achievements in the process so far.

Archbishop Of Canterbury Reflects on His Visit to Kenya

The Anglican Church of Kenya has been a very significant and honorable role in the history of the country since independence. This visit has helped me understand why this has been and still is the case. Many of its leaders have courageously resisted oppressive and corrupt government.

Archbishop of Kenya, Eliud Wabukala has played what everyone agrees was a key part in holding communities together in periods of violent conflict working tirelessly for lasting reconciliation and justice.

At grassroot level, this is a church with enormous energy and creativity. The emphasis on holistic ministry working both for spiritual maturity and for the regeneration of communities is visible at every level. We are priviledged to see it at work both in small rural communities and in the urban slums.

This visit has been very joyful and fruitful visit for me and I thank God for the great witness of this treasured part of the Anglican family.

Archbishop Of Canterbury Concludes His Visit to Kenya

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been visiting the Anglican Church in Kenya to celebrate the mission, life and witness of the Church in the country. He joined Archbishop Eliud Wabukala in a celebration Eucharist for the 50 th anniversary of the Diocese of Nakuru, and together they laid the foundation stone for the proposed site of the first Anglican University in Kenya .

The Archbishop of Kenya also had the opportunity to show Dr Williams some of the transforming work being done by the Church at grass-roots level, helping local communities to face the challenges of poverty and the effects of climate change. These included a visit to a village in Machakos which had implemented a biogas initiative to bring greener energy to their rural community and also engaged with a church-community mobilisation project in Embu which had successfully brought sustainable change to their food production by working together towards a shared vision.

Reflecting on their experiences over the past few days, the two Archbishops said: The visit has been a joyful and fruitful one for us both, and we thank God for the great witness of this treasured part of the Anglican family. The journey together has provided global perspective on the riches of our faith in Christ as members of the Anglican Communion. We need to continue to uphold this fellowship as a gift from God through His Son Jesus Christ for our common witness in the world. This visit has strengthened the historic fellowship between our two Provinces, and we will continue to hold the mission and witness of our churches in prayer.”

Archbishop Of Canterbury Visits Kenya

Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala and the entire Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) welcomed the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams in a historic visit to Kenya.

Archbishop Wabukala together with the heads of Departments recieved Archbishop Rowan Williams and his delegationwho arrived in Kenya on 18th June 2011 for a provincial visit.

The two Archbishops have so far visited several dioceses each with a tree planting and signing of the guest book exercise to commemorate the high profile visit. The bishops, clergy and congreagations of all the areas visited counted it a great honor for the delegation to pay a courtesy call to the respective dioceses.

It was a culmination of diocesan and development projects visit to have fellowship with Christians and the communities in the country.

Among the highlights so far are the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Nakuru and the dedication of the site for the building of the proposed Kenya Anglican University (KAU) at Kanyuambora area in Mbeere. In community development, the team interacted with the community in Machakos which implements a biogas project as part of climate friendly energy use.

A theological public forum with the theme; "The Church's Role in Holistic Mission in the 21st Century," was held at All Saints Cathedral Nairobi.

(Photo: Archbishop Eliud Wabukala and Archbishop Rowan Williams lay foundation stone at the proposed Kenya Anglican University Site)

China's Delegation Visits ACK

A delegation of twelve from the Ministry of the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) People's Republic of China, visited the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) to learn on how the church relates with the state.

The delegation was headed by Minister of the State Administration for Religious Affairs in China,Minister Wang Zuoan, who was accompanied by Directors from the Ethical and Religious Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Policy and Regulation, Religious Research Centre and Catholicism Affairs in his department.

The visit was courtesy of the Primates of Global South Anglican Communion which includes South America, Africa and Asia, coordinated by the Archbishop of Singapore; seeking to establish a relationship between the Kenya's and Chinese Church and strengthen each other in mission and social transformation.

In his introductory remarks, Minister Wang said that for many years the linkage between Kenya and China has been on policy, economic and cultural sectors yet no formal relationship with religion had been established. “As we learn from each other during this visit, we hope a friendship between the two countries will be created,” he said.

More than spiritual nourishment the Anglican church engages in social transformation to offer holistic ministry. Some of the development sectors the church engages in include water, health and sanitation, food security, education and care for the needy and the orphans. The ACK has emphasis on provision of knowledge liaising with the Government in the education sector. This active role has been recognized by the Government thus involving ACK in policy formulation and the ongoing revision on the education system in Kenya. The major way that the church gets involved to the grassroot level is through the pastoral network which gives feedback on the community needs which are integrated in the education system.

Social transformation is done with resources from the Kenyan government, foreign government, local mobilization and the church. Environmental sustainability is also emphasized and national reconciliation has been one of the biggest milestones of the Anglican Church of Kenya,” remarked Archbishop Wabukala as he gave a review of the church's role in the nation.

To learn from the diversity of the church‘s engagement, the areas visited include Limuru Girls which is an Anglican sponsored school, Mothers' Mercy Children's Home, Christian Industrial Training Institute and St. John's Community Centre among others. In addition, the team had a diplomatic visit to the Chinese Embassy as a gesture of the good relations between the two countries.

Notably of the 1.3 billion population in China, only 23 million are Christians whereas Kenya records 80% Christianity, thus there is a great need for evangelism. “I'll encourage Christians back home to play an active role to improve the society since social services is paramount for witness,” said Minister Wang.

At the farewell dinner, Archbishop Wabukala said the lessons from the visit will form a basis for interactions in future, creating a lasting relationship between the two countries and possibly identify specific areas of collaboration.

The ACK church is 167 years old whereas the church in China is 200 years old.

(Photo L-R: Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, Minister Wang Zuoan and Ambassador Liu Guangyuan at the Chinese Embassy in Hurlingham, Kenya)

Anglican Alliance launches Facebook page

The Anglican Alliance reached out across the Communion with a Facebook page for people to share views and expertise on development, relief and advocacy.

It aims to provide a space where Anglicans can share news and keep up with the Alliance's activities.

Alliance Director Sally Keeble said, "We want to build a strong community around the Alliance, and hope that it will receive posts from dedicated supporters of the Alliance who share the commitment to build a world free of poverty and injustice.

It provides information and pictures of the work of the Anglicans, showing how by working together through the Alliance we can share the good news of what we are doing - part of the Anglican mission to the world.

You can find the Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anglican-Alliance/218943218118012 , and you can view the page even if you are not a member of Facebook. But if you're not already signed up to Facebook, you will not be able to fully use the Alliance's page which is the work of Laura Payne, the new website manager for the Anglican Alliance.

"If you are already signed up to Facebook, show that you ‘like' the page and its contents by clicking on the button at the top of your screen," said Sally. "This will ensure that the updates automatically appear on your newsfeed, making certain that you are always kept informed about Anglican Communion activities.

On the page, one can send in pictures of work done as well as information and news, to connect with what others around the world are doing.

Facebook, initially a social site is currently being used as a form for linkages for mission and advocacy.

By: Anglican Communion News Service Staff

Anglicans, Christian Aid Renew Partnership

Anglicans and Christian Aid renewed their partnership for development at a three-day consultation which ended yesterday (Thursday 17th) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Building on experience in Burundi, Kenya, Nigeria and Sudan, they looked at new models for making their joint work more effective in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world.

This included:

·Affirmation from Christian Aid for the Anglican Alliance.
A commitment from the Anglican Alliance to capacity building among development partners in the Communion - one of the key needs to emerge from the consultation.
Joint working on partnerships for development, and building a theology to underpin this work.

The workshop heard about joint Anglican and Christian Aid work on emergency relief in Kenya, HIV and Aids in Nigeria, environmental conservation in Burundi and post conflict advocacy for Sudan. The need for continuing commitment to Sudan was underlined by one participant who left Malakal in southern Sudan after heavy military bombardment to travel to Nairobi.

Attendees at the meeting included Archbishop Daniel Deng of Sudan , Canon Grace Kaiso, general secretary of CAPA, Sally Keeble, Director of the Anglican Alliance for relief, development and advocacy, Rachel Carnegie, International Development Secretary to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Karimi Kinoti Deputy Regional Director of Christian Aid and Paul Valentin, Christian Aid's Director of Programmes. The consultation was opened by Archbishop Eliud Wabukala of Kenya.

The church calls upon the nation to unite for a better future

The Archbishop, Bishops, Clergy and the Laity representing the Anglican Church of Kenya meeting at the All Saints' Cathedral Multi-Purpose Hall on the 2 nd and 3 rd March, 2011, deliberated on the desired future of the Anglican Church and the nation at large. We meditated on Jeremiah 29:11 where God assures His people: “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future...”

After some deep reflections and open discussions, the Church decided to rally around the theme: TOGETHER FOR CHRIST in this decade (2011-2020).The Church observes that the implementation of the National Constitution is a priority that must be put above political campaigns for 2012 general elections, thus a call for the politicians to work towards ensuring an equitable distribution of resources and the strengthening of institutions that will ensure good governance. They also urged the two Principals to rise above personal interests and focus on national issues by ensuring continuous and meaningful consultations. Additionally, they called upon all public servants implicated and charged with corruption, impropriety, neglect, abuse of office or any other scandal must step aside.

Meanwhile, the the church purposes to actively participate in the ongoing education debate and engaging intentionally in programs that will address peace building and conflict management with a deliberate focus on the youth. In the consulation, the church resolved with the theme: "Together For Christ," for the next decade (2011- 2020). A press release and communique was disseminated calling the nation to focus on the priority issues of national cohesion and implementation of the new constitution.

Establishment of The Anglican University Kicks Off

Following the approval by the 2010 Standing Committee of the Provincial Synod for the establishment of the Anglican University and the formation of the ACK University Steering Committee, the committee negotiatiated with the Diocese of Mbeere who have surrendered 96 acres of land for the development of the Anglican University.

So far, the committees of all the Kanyuambora educational institutions on the property have consented; the DEB of Mbeere District and the Embu-Mbeere County have approved the transfer of the said property to the Anglican Church University Trustees.

The ACK Archbishop, Dr. Eliud Wabukala together with The ACK University Steering Committee visited the property on 10 th November 2010 and and the site was dedicaed for the purpose of constructing the university and a concept paper launched for the Establishment of the Anglican University.

The focus is to have a campus of the university in at least every region of the Church and for every campus to have a representation from every diocese as a way for fostering nationhood and one united Church.

Church Commissioners for Kenya break grounds for new building

The Church Commissioners for Kenya (CCK), the investment arm of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has embarked on a Kshs.340 million Church House building project.

The 8- storey building will be constructed near the ACK Garden House Building at Community area in Nairobi.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on 29th September 2010 st the site, ACK Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala said that the project will take a duration of 20 months to construct. Tulsi Construction Limited are the main constructors on site. The Archbishop was joined by Bishops from all over the country to dedicate the project.

New Bishop of Nairobi Diocese enthroned

On Sunday 5th October 2010, Rev. Joel Waweru Mwangi was consecrated and enthroned as the second bishop of Nairobi Diocese. Bishop Waweru succeeds Bishop Peter Njoka who retired from active ministry.

Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala led through the steps of the service which was jubilant with songs of praise. ACK St. Stephens Jogoo Road the venue for the event, was packed to capacity. Bishops form various parts of the diocese attended to welcome the new bishop in the province of Kenya.

Bishop Waweru is married to Tabitha Muthoni and are blessed with two daughters, Loise and Leah.

He holds a Masters of Arts in leadership in addition to various leadership courses.

Archbishop's Message on the Referendum

During and post- Referendum, ACK calls the nation to peace and unity. The Referendum Message

House of Bishops Release a Statement on Peaceful Co- existence

Full Statement

Christian leaders release a Memorandum to the Kenya National Assembly

On 18th March 2010, the leaders of all christian churches in Kenya presented a memorandum to the Kenya National Assmebly stating that the organs of the constitution review have consistently ignored the views of the christian community in Kenya.

After discussing the process and the progress made so far, they made recommendations for consideration. The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Dr. Eliud Wabukala was among the church leaders who presented the memorandum. Other churches represented include Evangelic Alliance of Kenya, Methodist Church in Kenya, and Christ is the Answer Ministries.

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Enthroned

A high powered delegation gathered at the All Saints Cathedral on Sunday 7th July 2009, to celebrate the enthronement of the newly- elected Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala (photo left).

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Mwai Kibaki and the Vice- President Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, attended the service among other ministers, diplomatic dignitaries and other guests. In his speech, the president praised the social transformation work done by the Anglican Church of Kenya and urged other churches to emulate such. "This is the mark of authentic Christianity, when your actions witness that you are different," he said.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Eliud W. Wabukala was elected the 5th Primate and Archbishop of Kenya in a peaceful and orderly election process by a 158 member Electoral College of the Anglican Church of Kenya that was gathered at the All Saints Cathedral on 24th April, 2009. Among him were other three contesting bishops namely:- Rt. Rev. Stephen Kewasis, Rt. Rev. Samson Mwaluda and Rt. Rev. Joseph Wasonga.

Archbishop Wabukala was enthroned the Fifth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya. In a comprehensive 'Archbishop's charge' which highlighted his projected scope of focus, he pledged to serve diligently.

Archbishop Dr. Eliud Wabukala succeeds the Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin Nzimbi who retired on 30th June, 2009.He was consecrated and enthroned the first Bishop of Bungoma Diocese on 13th October, 1996 where he has served for the last thirteen years.