KENYA: At Consecration of New Cathedral, Nuncio Urges Christians to Shun Tribalism, Embrace Unity

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

At the consecration of Christ the King Cathedral Church of Kenya’s Bungoma Diocese, Saturday, May 8, the Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya Archbishop Bert van Megen urged Christians to keep off from tribalism that brings division among the people of God but instead embrace unity so that peace may reign.

Addressing Christians during homily the Prelate said, “I call upon you as the people of God, to overcome tribal differences that divide you. We are a new family, the family of God, which goes beyond tribal differences that divide us.”

Instead he said, “May this beautiful building, to which so many of you have contributed, either financially or through their work and commitment, contribute to a greater unity in the diocese, that the Christians of Bungoma become that one family in Jesus Christ.”

Archbishop van Megen referenced the letter of St. James where the Apostle cautioned about conflict and division urging Christians to act as Christ said that “…he who is greatest among you, let him be as the youngest, and he who governs as he who serves.”

He reminded the faithful of Bungoma Diocese that the message in the solemn blessing of a Cathedral reminds Christ’s followers that they are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit and calls them to be in unity.

“God the Father wills that all his children scattered through the world, become one family in his Son. May he make you his temple, the dwelling place of his Holy Spirit,” the Prelate highlighted.

The Holy Father’s representative further warned against using the Church as a platform for political conventions saying, “Our Churches should therefore never be used for political rallies, keeping in mind the words of Christ; “You shall not make my father’s house a house of trade.”

“We need to be careful with the holiest of holy,” Archbishop van Megen warned and continued, “This is the House of the Lord and nobody else can claim a right here. The only word that should be spoken here is the Word of God. No political debate should take place, no horse-trading. No bickering and backbiting.”

He urged Christians to revere the Church calling on them to acknowledge her sacredness and be “awareness of the presence of the Lord within the ever-holy place which should respect.”

He appreciated the work of Bungoma Christians to come up with a Cathedral which is said to have a capacity of up to 4,000 people and biggest in Kenya.

“Many thanks to all of you, who have contributed to this church. Your contributions have been spent well. Therefore, the stones, the masonry, the pillars, the windows, the tiles, and of course the altar, are all you. The fruit of your work is in here. This is your church; this is your spiritual home. This is the place for all Christians to feel at home with their God,” he said.

Speaking during the same event, Bishop Joseph Obanyi who is Apostolic Administrator of Bungoma Diocese and Local Ordinary of Kakamega Diocese thanked the faithful for their hard work and dedication until the completion of the Cathedral.

“As Saint Paul says, there are those who plant, there are those who water, there are those who weed, and then there are those who harvest. I am one of those who have found themselves harvesting what was planted,” Bishop Obanyi said and continued “I wish to really express my gratitude to all those who have put their hearts and minds in this work.”

The Cathedral project is an initiative of the former Local Ordinary of Bungoma Bishop Norman King’oo Wambua, now serving in Machakos Diocese. He too was present for the occasion.