Mothly Newsletter October 2018
Oh God...
The Environment was rich in many ways; flora-fauna, water in rivers, lakes and seas. The vegetation in many colours. All creatures great and small in their diversity. And you saw that they were good and you rested...
Give us the strenght and wisdom to take care of our environment so that each one of us may take responsibilty for our actions to make the earth a better place than we found it.
Our Regions Pwani Eastern Mt. Kenya East Mt. Kenya NAIKA Central Rift South Rift North Rift Nyanza Western
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ASF Members walk with a “Green Anglicans’ Banner in Machakos town during the Green Anglicans Day.
Photof/ADS Kenya
Anglican Church of Kenya launches Eco-Movement The Anglican Church of Kenya has become
The ACK Director of Mission,Rev. John Mark Oduor praised the initiative, saying: “the earth the third Anglican province to adopt the Green belongs to God and today we gather here to surAnglicans movement. Spearheaded by the An- render our service to im by way of taking good glican Students’ Fellowship, Green Anglicans in care of the environment.” Kenya will encourage members to “take up their roles in being good stewards of God’s creations The launch of the Green Anglicans movement and ensure that future generations will have a in Kenya chimes with the “Wholesome Environbetter place to live in”, ASF coordinator Dennis ment” Pillar in the 10-Year provincial strategy Nthenge said. which runs from 2018-2027. The pillar focuses on environmental stewardship, awareness, adThe Green Anglicans movement in Kenya took vocacy, clean-ups and adoption of renewable place at All Souls Cathedral in Machakos on the sources of energy. 20th of October, 2018. Youth representatives from all over Kenya were in attendance, as were en- The Green Anglican movement began in the Anvironment specialists and representatives from glican Church of Southern Africa, before spreadAnglican institutions. ing to the Church of the Province of Central Africa and now the Anglican Church of Kenya. The Bishop of Machakos, Joseph Mutungi, said that the Green Anglicans movement would help communities across Kenya realise that the “environment is God’s creation and should be preserved for the sake of future generations.”
The Bishop of Machakos Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Mutingi waters a tree during the Green Anglicans day Photo/ADS Kenya
Daily, the earth chokes under continous irresponsible activities by human beings, shading away its quality. The rate of desert fomation is ever on the increasing trajectory, as is its effects. Now, more wider are the effects Spread. Worth to mention is that Kenya, has not been spared these repercussions. More rivers are drying up. Food security has now become a national concern. The rain patterns have become more unpredictable.We now witness increased human activity in areas that were once covered by forests. More industries are coming up and lack of waste management strategies within the same are saddening. Carbon emmissions continue to now threathen the whole ecosystem. To human existance, the threat is effectual. This year, the Goverment launched the National Tree planting drive which is aimed at ensuring that the country’s forest cover increases to atleast 10% within five years. According to data contained in the National Forest Policy, 2015, Kenya’s forest coverage currently stands at a mere 6%. Bare lands, mostly in Arid and Semi Arid Land (ASAL) areas, have also significantly increased, with the Land Degradation Assessment in Kenya March (2016) attributing this to “dynamics of land use in Kenya’s ASALs, which continue to undergo both agricultural expansion as well as loss of natural vegetation.” Launched 8 Years ago, the National Climate Change response Strategy highlighted some of the strategies that the goverment would adopt to help mitigate these. They included Understanding the international climate change regime, carrying out a Vulnerability assessments, GHGs and climate change impacts monitoring, and capacity building framework; Developning a Research, technology development and transfer needs framework and eventually coming up with a Climate change governance framework. During a recent tree planting drive in Machakos county, the Cabinet secretary in Charge of the Environment and Forestry- Prof. Keriako Tobiko called upon religious leaders to encourage their members to participate in the Tree planting drive. The Green Anglican Movement in Kenya Seeks to mobilise Kenyans to adopt practices which help in conserving the environment. By Complimenting goverment agenda, we endevour to create a country that understands the value of conservation to both present and future generations.
Uncollected Garbage Photo/ADS Kenya
Church where national anthem and unity pledge are top hymns As covered by the Nation Newspaper
MUSICAL Among those pleasantly surprised by the tradition is a co-composer of the Kenya National Anthem, Professor Washington Omondi, 77, who could not hide his joy when he started attending Sunday fellowship at the church. In mid-1963, just before Kenya gained independence, Omondi and four other men were tasked with coming up with a national song. The others are George Senoga-Zake, Graham Hyslop, Rev Thoms Kalume and Peter Kibukosya, all of them with varying musical backgrounds. They were given seven weeks to deliver the song — which was later laid onto a Pokomo lullaby by the band master of Kenya Police. GRASS-THATCHED Prof Omondi is, however, not the force behind the slotting of the anthem in the church service. “He was also pleased by use of the church to instil patriotism. I didn’t even know he was among the composers of the song. For us, we do it as a symbol of unity and, hopefully, this scales up further,” Rev Kariuku said. The 80-year-old church was started in 1938 by an early white settler, Reverend E.M Low, and his wife — who lived in Karen then.
A Church Service at the ACK St. Francis Church, Karen
At St Francis Church in Karen, the Sunday service
runs like any other Anglican one but for one thing, just before the sermon begins, members hold hands and sing the three stanzas of the national anthem. Then they lift their hands up (still held together) and chant a vow of patriotism: “We are one Kenya, serving one God and we refuse to be divided, in Jesus name, Amen”. The unwritten vow is not beamed on the screen, leaving visitors sticking out as they lipsync with the members. NATIONHOOD The tradition, which is unique to the church on Ngong Road, is repeated religiously every Sunday. The leaders say it is an important reminder to worshippers about their role as patriots. So entrenched is the tradition that many who had difficulties in recalling the national anthem off-head now have memorised the three stanzas. The church celebrated its 80th year of existence two weeks ago in an event attended by several dignitaries, including Anglican Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit. It hopes to spread the tradition that combines nationhood and religion.
A grass-thatched and mud-walled house was its humble beginning, which also hosted several animals, insects and birds in then bushy Karen; prompting the name St Francis after the Italian deacon who loved animals. SUFFERING It is not unusual for religion and nationhood to blend. Throughout Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy, church leaders played a major role in agitating for change, with leaders like Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s (PCEA) Reverend Timothy Njoya suffering for it and others like then Eldoret Anglican Diocese Bishop Alexander Muge losing his life in the process. Symbols of unity like the national anthem have been used by many leaders across the continent to push for patriotism. In Nigeria, for example, President Yakubu Gowon’s government, which ruled between 1966 and 1975, required every pupil to recite the National Pledge twice a day. President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire banned western dresses and skirts and compelled citizens to wear the abacost national dress, while his Zambia counterpart Kenneth Kaunda declared nshima (maize meal) the national food and chitenge skirt the national dress.
Photo /ADS Kenya
EMOTIVE “We hope to influence other churches to build a mega platform for fostering unity among Kenyans, whose fabric is frequently frayed by emotive electoral cycles,” said church Vicar Joyce Kariuki. “The national anthem is a prayer. We use it to bless our nation. We are just doing what the Bible has commanded us to do; bless our land. I would recommend every church to champion peace and unity by reminding their members that we are one since the church does not exist in isolation. What affects the national fabric also affect the church,” Rev Kariuki told the Sunday Nation in an interview.
Church Members recite the National Creed during a service at the ACK St. Francis Church, Karen Photo /ADS Kenya
Rev. Joyce Kariuki, Vicar at the ACK St. Francis Church, Karen
Photo /ADS Kenya
PROACTIVE She said unlike in the usual scenarios when churches are compelled to conduct prayers for the country only during elections and when political tensions rise, the ‘best proactive approach’ is to drive the patriotism agenda in every sermon. This will keep the church at the forefront of championing peace and unity. Singing of the national anthem, according to the church leadership, has been a surprise for many visitors to the church. Many wonder why this is so, especially in, of all places, affluent Karen, where political strife is hardly felt during elections. Retired ACK Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi talks to Mary Mc’Naughton during the 80th anniversary celebrations at the ACK St. Francis Church, Karen Photo /ADS Kenya
The Archbishop cuts the anniversary cake.
Photo /ADS Kenya
Embracing the New Things God is about to do:
Discussions on Gender, Youth, Ecumenical Diakonia, Partnerships dominate Uppsala 2018.
A session during the ACT Aliance General Assembly in Uppsala, Sweden
Discussions on Gender Justice, Youth Participation, Ecu-
menical Ministry and partnerships dominated the just concluded ACT Alliance General Assembly held in Uppsala, Sweden. The 5-Day event, held from the 28th of October to the 1st of November, brought together ACT Memberorganizations across the world.The delegates discussed on how to make the ACT Movement more effective and responsive to the challenges that affect the world today. Addressing the Delegates, the UN Deputy Secretary-General Ms Amina Mohammed commended non Govermental organizations for their role in helping communities live dignified lives. “Your efforts have earned you the trust of the communities you serve, and you are often directly engaged with those who are left furthest behind,” she said. The forum also underscored the role of the Youth in community development. The members endorsed the youth as
Kitale Diocese Gets new Bishop
Photo /Courtesy
“key actors in the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals.” The Executive Director of UN Women, Mlambo-Nguka, challenged the delegates to use the opportunity they have as churches to help mainstream gender issues. “We need the church to help minimise pushbacks and to build on the historical role that it has played to promote gender equality”, she posed.The forum also adopted a Global Strategy (2019-2026) that will guide member operations across the world. The ADS Kenya Executive Director attended the conference.ACT alliance is a coalition of 150 churches and church-related organisations working together in over 125 countries to create positive and sustainable change in the lives of poor and marginalised people.
Delegates of the ACT Aliance General Assembly in Uppsala, Sweden
Photo /Courtesy
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich (R) is congragulated by the Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa during the consecration service Photo /ADS Kenya
Christians in the Diocese of Kitale gathered at
the Kitale Showground in Kitale Town (Trans-Nzoia County) to celebrate the Consecration and Enthronement of their new Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich. The ceremony which took place on the 7th of October, brought together over 5,000 people including Bishops, Clergy and laity. The Service was officiated by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit. The Provincial Dean and Bishop of the Diocese of Maseno West, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Wasonga delivered the sermon. He urged Bishop Chemengich to diligently serve God’s people in the Diocese and the world. He encouraged him to embrace wholesome Governance in his ministry, in line with ACK’s
The New Bishop with other Bishops after the service.
Photo /ADS Kenya
Strategic Plan- 2018-2027. This, he added, would help the people become good models of servant leaders in all aspects of Human Life. While Congratulating the new Bishop, the Archbishop called for unity in the Diocese as this would help in taking the Diocese forward in advancing the ministry of Christ. In his Charge, the new Bishop committed to involving all members of the Church in his leadership. He thanked his predecessor, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Kewasis Nyorsok for his service to the Church for the past 27 years. He said that his ministry would be anchored on a strategic plan while laying emphasis on the Spiritual, Stewardship, Society Transformation, Servant Leadership and Strategy Pillars.
The ACK Provincial Chancellor leads a team of lawyers during the service Photo /ADS Kenya
Pictotials
Mining Stakeholders at a Minig Rights meeting at the Safaripark hotel, Nairobi. The ADS Kenya Programs Officer Charles Macharia led the ACK Delegation at the Conference. Photo /Courtesy
ACK Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon Dr. Rosemary Mbogo adresses Mothers’ Union Presidents from across Africa during a communication Training recently held in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo /ADS Kenya
The Bishop of the Diocese of Kapsabet, The Rt. Rev. Paul Korir Joins Farmers during a farmer Fields Day in kapsabet. Photo /Courtesy
Clergy from Nairobi Diocese discuss in groups during a strategic Management training facilitated by ADS Kenya Director Bwibo Adieri Photo /Courtesy
Mothers’ Union Presidents from Africa during a communication training in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo /ADS Kenya
United Nationa Deputy Secretary General, (R) Her Excellency Ms Amina Mohammed, at the ACT General Assembly held in Uppsala, Sweden. Photo /Courtesy
Anglican Development Services (ADS) Kenya Bishops Road, Opp. NSSF Building ACK Language School Building, 2nd Floor P.O Box 40502-0100 Nairobi Tel: +254 20 2718801, +254 20 271 4752/3 Email: adskenya@africaonline.co.ke www.adskenya.org