KENYA: Catholics Urged to Embrace Diversity at Lenten Campaign Launch

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

As the 40-day Lenten period commences in the Catholic Church, a solemn religious observance of prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial, the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese of Nairobi have been called upon to embrace the spirit of diversity through promotion of “good neighborliness.”

Prior to the period which began on Ash Wednesday, March 2, the Archdiocese of Nairobi through he Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) launched the Lenten campaign Saturday, March 26, under the theme, “Unity in diversity: Promoting good neighborliness.”

“Diversity is a resource for unity and progress. Let us celebrate our diversity and see in each one of us a good neighbor who deserves respect, care, love and hope when faced with challenges,” the Chairman for KCCB’s Commission for Promotion of Integral Human Development (CPIHD), Catholic Justice and Peace Department, Bishop John Oballa Owaa said while addressing Christians during the launch.

In his observation, the Prelate noted that the context in which Kenyans and the entire world live, “Disapprove temptations to downplay the understanding and living of unity in diversity which can only be achieved through the promotion of living together as neighbors who truly care for one another.”

Amidst our diversity in many spheres including age, ethnic background, education levels, culture interests and career pathways among others, Bishop Oballa of Kenya’s Ngo’ng Diocese said, “Discriminating against others or looking down upon others because of their low income, we destroy the very gift of unity in diversity.”

Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan which emphasizes the concept of good neighborliness, the former KCCB’s Vice Chairman underscores that “A neighbor is not defined by geographical location, blood relations or clan ties,” but instead “A neighbor is anyone you encounter directly or indirectly. The people we know and the people we do not know but need our gesture of love and care.”

“Dear beloved Christians, this Lenten Season places emphasis on this idea of neighborliness. Our Catholic Church deeply embeds the concept of good neighborliness in its teaching which is manifested in the spirit in which we form and live out our faith in Small Christian Communities (SCCs),” Bishop Oballa said highlighting that “In urban set ups members of a Small Christian Community do not necessarily come from the same background yet the spirit of sharing faith is the same.”

He added, “We also see the spirit of good neighborliness when Christians donate to people in need in far off counties and countries (and) in people who are engaged in advocacy and lobbying to alleviate the suffering of others, fighting for the rights of the marginalized, agitating for justice and respect to human dignity irrespective of one’s background.”

Expounding on the essence of Lenten season during the Saturday launch, the Bishop noted that fasting marks the “Christian faith that the journey towards holiness requires physical discipline which is spiritually symbolic.”

He highlighted five thematic areas the Christians need to reflect upon during the 40-days journey including promoting sound civic education, respect for the rule of law by all, respect for human rights, overcoming food insecurity and reflecting on the youth and peaceful election as Kenya is looking forward to its General elections in August, 2022.