Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Eliud Wabukala has reiterated his church’s commitment to work with other leaders to promote a peaceful coexistence in the country.
He however regretted to note that Africa is at a spiritual crossroads, since there are many nominal Christians, but not as many committed ones.
Speaking during the inter religious meeting with Pope Francis yesterday, Dr Wabukala warned that the continent is threatened by what His Holiness has described as the ‘ideological colonialism’ of secularist lifestyles.
Also he touched on terrorist activities in the continent and back home, where many young people are radicalized to join the extremists groups, in term causing pain and destruction of properties.
“As faith leaders representing our members, we have endeavoured to In your (Pope) messages you have been reminding all people of goodwill that Peace is essential for the life in abundance which the Gospel proclaims. We shall continue to cooperate and collaborate as faith leaders in promotion of Peace and national cohesion,” he committed to preach peaceful co-existence.
He continued, “Your Holiness, I would also like to mention that as faith leaders of our respective denominations we strive to practice interdependence instead of unhealthy competition in provision of spiritual leadership to our congregations.”
He lauded the cordial existence between most denominations in Kenya.
“Our hope and prayer is that this interdependence and collaboration will be sustained. It is also my prayer that all our churches will work together in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen; to kindle the hearts and minds of all believers anew,” he pledged.
Wabukala sought to bring the Pontiff upto speed with what has been happening in the religious circles, where he cited the resolve to embrace the heritage as stated in the gospel.
“Here in our region, we rejoice in the heritage of fall the East African Revival that brought the fire of God’s love, the assurance of salvation and integrity of life to millions, transforming our culture and raising hope across three generations. We pray that your visit will encourage Christians throughout all churches in Africa, to continue steadfastly upholding the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while influencing society positively and constructively,” he explained.
He took issue with terror attacks that country has suffered in the recent past, claiming many lives, destruction of property and forced relocation of the citizens from the affected areas, which has put the religious faith to test.
“In the recent past as a nation we have witnessed increased activities of terrorism and radicalism, threatening peaceful coexistence and integration within and across faiths and communities in Kenya,” he said.
He continued, “As faith leaders representing our members, we have endeavoured to promote a peaceful coexistence. In your messages you have been reminding all people of goodwill that Peace is essential for the life in abundance, which the Gospel proclaims.
He added! “We shall continue to cooperate and collaborate as faith leaders in promotion of Peace and national cohesion. We are indeed grateful for your recent Encyclical Letter urging all Nations to adopt a circular model of production capable of preserving resources for present and future generations, while limiting as much as possible the use of non-renewable resources, moderating their consumption, maximizing their efficient use, reusing and recycling them as one way of counteracting the throwaway culture which affects the entire planet.”
Wabukala further commended the Pontiff on the Catholic church’s historic commitment to the apostolic faith.
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“We commend your leadership in convening the Synod on Family in October 2015, reaffirming the sanctity of life, the wholeness of marriage and the necessity of family, at a time when some of these principles are being called into question. As African Christians we cherish family, as taught in Scripture,” he applauded the Pope’s leadership.
He went on, “Your Holiness, it is our deep conviction, one which I am sure we share, that the transformations we long to see in this world are most likely to come about when our Christians are focused not on earthly utopias, but live as sojourners to whom the hope for heaven is real, founded on the faith.”
Dr Wabukala recalled that during the past decade Kenya and several other African nations have made great economic progress, through responsible management of our natural and human resources with which God has endowed us.
He nevertheless also faulted the growing gap between the rich and poor.
“This is worrying and needs to be narrowed with deliberate emphasis on compassionate, equitable distribution of resources. I appeal that through your efforts and those of other leaders, there is great necessity for African nations to be assisted to unlock their potential through improvement of their economic and managerial capacity,” he appealed.
He noted that Africa as a continent is endowed with many resources, which ought to be effectively managed for the benefit of her people.
“Your Holiness, I have reason to believe, and hope that the future is bright for Africa’s nations and peoples, because God is with us in our endeavour to enjoy Life in Abundance as promised by Jesus Christ, our Redeemer,” he stressed.
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