Agenzia Fides REPORT –Kenyan Bishops say “Let's work to improve the Constitution”
The Bishops of Kenya have reaffirmed their opposition to the part of the new Constitution that “poses a threat to life, family, marriage, equality or traditional Christian values,” but declare that they are willing to participate in a process of implementing and refining of the original document.They have expressed these thoughts in a concluding document issued after their Plenary Assembly, held in early November in Malindi. A copy of the document was sent to Fides. “We recognize that the New Constitution was passed. Consequently, all Kenyans must now be involved in implementing and refining it,” write the Kenyan bishops. “This process must go on with care taking into account the desires and aspirations of all Kenyans, being truthful to the mandate given. We express our willingness to participate in the process. This is our spiritual calling, without prejudice to our serious reservations as to some important sections.”The Christian Churches had been opposed to the new text of the Constitution, because of an article that would open the doors to the legalization of abortion.The bishops declare that they are “perplexed at the scene of confusion and the existence of deeply rooted vices in the leadership of Kenya today. We expect a more focused leadership which will fulfil the dreams of ordinary Kenyans. Settling of scores, focusing on 2012, continual looting of the riches of a country does not bode well for a future happy and prosperous Kenya. We appeal to the political class of all hues and persuasions to do the job that they have been elected to do.” On the pastoral level, the bishops call for “renewal and deepening of our Catholic faith” through personal and communal prayer, pilgrimages, and the sacramental life, and they also launch an appeal to abandon tribalism: “The deepening of our faith leaves no room for tribalism as we are all Kenyans not only in words but in the eyes of the Almighty God.” http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=27802&lan=eng
The Bishops of Kenya have reaffirmed their opposition to the part of the new Constitution that “poses a threat to life, family, marriage, equality or traditional Christian values,” but declare that they are willing to participate in a process of implementing and refining of the original document.They have expressed these thoughts in a concluding document issued after their Plenary Assembly, held in early November in Malindi. A copy of the document was sent to Fides. “We recognize that the New Constitution was passed. Consequently, all Kenyans must now be involved in implementing and refining it,” write the Kenyan bishops. “This process must go on with care taking into account the desires and aspirations of all Kenyans, being truthful to the mandate given. We express our willingness to participate in the process. This is our spiritual calling, without prejudice to our serious reservations as to some important sections.”The Christian Churches had been opposed to the new text of the Constitution, because of an article that would open the doors to the legalization of abortion.The bishops declare that they are “perplexed at the scene of confusion and the existence of deeply rooted vices in the leadership of Kenya today. We expect a more focused leadership which will fulfil the dreams of ordinary Kenyans. Settling of scores, focusing on 2012, continual looting of the riches of a country does not bode well for a future happy and prosperous Kenya. We appeal to the political class of all hues and persuasions to do the job that they have been elected to do.” On the pastoral level, the bishops call for “renewal and deepening of our Catholic faith” through personal and communal prayer, pilgrimages, and the sacramental life, and they also launch an appeal to abandon tribalism: “The deepening of our faith leaves no room for tribalism as we are all Kenyans not only in words but in the eyes of the Almighty God.” http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=27802&lan=eng
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