KENYA: “Abortion is a Crime Against Humanity,” Catholic Prelate Warns Christians
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Christians in the Archdiocese of Kisumu, Kenya, have been cautioned that termination of pregnancy before a fetus reaches the stage of viability is a “crime against humanity” and an act they should desist from.
Addressing the congregants at a recent celebration to mark family day of the Archdiocese, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba emphasized the aspect of respecting human life including the unborn.
“I would like us to remember the so many children who die through the violence and dictatorship of abortion lest we forget that it is a crime against humanity, a sin,” the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kisumu stressed to the Christians adding that the society is introducing people to a belief that termination of pregnancy is normal and is a person’s choice.
He stressed further that as Christians, people “should never promote the death of the innocent children, should not normalize the crime against humanity, should not support the crime or hesitate to talk about it, and should not be drivers of this crime as it goes agains the call of our faith.”
Reminding the congregants to emulate the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and the child Jesus, Bishop Muhatia acknowledged that the existence of any human being is God’s plan and not accident.
“Before God there is no accidental human being. Every human being is in the plan of God and they deserve the dignity that comes from God,” he said and continued, “The Lord told Joseph and Mary to take the child away from death. Therefore let us not do the opposite. When it comes to human life, there is only one Being to be obeyed and that is God. Do not obey your sentiments, do not obey your reasoning, do not obey your choice, do not obey your comfort and do not obey your convenience but only God.”
Warning against committing the crime of abortion he shared his message with hundreds of Christians who attended the celebration of family day, “Let Herod’s not be found in the context of our families especially when we talk about the crime and the sin of abortion. Let us not be merchants of death.”
Addressing the young people and children during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at Tumsifu Center, Archbishop Muhatia who is also the Vice-President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) asked for respect and honor to parents.
“When children grow up they must respect their parents; it is a holy thing because it comes from God,” Archbishop Muhatia underscored.
He explained further to the young people and children, “If your father and mother suffer out of your negligence, you are going against the divine will.”
He asked the young people to reflect on the care given them by their parents as they grow up and with that give them the respect they deserve.
“Let us learn the gift of obedience and the gift of complete trust in God from the school of the family of Nazareth and pray as a family of God that he keeps us united as the Holy family in difficult times and in happy moments,” the Archbishop concluded.
