An Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) bishop has announced his interest to succeed the current head of the church.
Thika ACK Diocese Bishop Julius Wanyoike said he was confident he has what it takes to take over the leadership of the church from Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, who is set to retire in June.
Speaking at the Thika ACK Cathedral after presiding over the Easter Sunday mass, Bishop Wanyoike, 49, said he was ready for the leadership position. He was consecrated bishop in charge of the Thika diocese three years ago after serving as the provost of the All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi.
“After serving in the church in various capacities for the last 28 years, I understand where the ACK church has come from, where it is currently and where it is going,” said Wanyoike.
Re-Interprep Doctrine
The man of cloth said time was ripe for the re-interpretation of the ACK church doctrine in order to make it fit to the contemporary society.
According to the constitution of the ACK Church, the head of the church retires upon reaching the age of 65.
An electoral college comprising 190 delegates made up of all the bishops of the church’s 36 dioceses across the country, two clergymen and an equal number of lay leaders from every diocese will elect the person who will succeed Wabukala on May 20.
Wanyoike also challenged the church to rise to the occasion and be vocal against the ills bedevilling the country such as corruption and tribalism.
At least eight bishops are said to be in the race, which has started in earnest, with the candidates engaging in extensive lobbying. The actual number of candidates will be known after April 4, which is the deadline for returning nomination papers.
