The Church in Kenya and across the globe has lately been a point of focus, criticism and interest. It is an institution with unbridled history that shapes society and spiritually guides its adherents.
In so doing, it has to maintain interactions with the state, a responsibility bestowed with its leadership. Holding the institution or disintegrating largely depends on the approach taken in furtherance of this role.
Recent contrasting positions and stances by some churches or church associations over the current economic plight of Kenyans, political truce suggestions and politicking on the pulpit are some issues that are at the fore.
The Sunday Nation edition of April 9, through edifying coverage of John Kamau, Tom Mboya and others, put the Church’s history so lived and the relationship between state and church. It also paints a juxtaposition demonstration of the current inroads of the church leadership, adding to the delicate debate.
For a long time, the Church has enjoyed the unquestioned vantage of putting others on the spot without reflecting on itself and its seat. Accountability is best when the subject is a way of questioning those at the helm.
It is time Church adherents took it upon themselves to put their leadership on their toes. Gone are days when the Church fold was just seen as “meek sheep” that follow the shepherd.
They should be fully aware of and endorse their respective churches’ strategic direction, including positions of national import that their local and national leadership assume.
Most of these churches are wealthy entities controlling varied establishments worth billions of movable and immovable assets, and human capital.
Every church follower should have a say within established structures to question with a view toward prudent utilisation of funds and the palliative role of the church.
All should be very keen on the application of the influence of the Church by its leaders not to be used for personal aggrandisement as witnessed in current happenings.
A reflection of the church is to be urgently invited to preserve the long and progressive contribution of the Church and move back to providing solace and hope, especially at such prevailing sociopolitical and economic downtime.
The Church needs also to reinstate its forthright postures and protection of the law and defend the less privileged in society through selfless engagement with state and non-state actors.
The Church should never be about building personal kingdoms by those at the helm or in its circles but contribute to a holistic perspective of its fold—spiritually, socially and even intellectually of the society. Is it the time to review the law of the church?
Corporate communication practitioner
