Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
15 August 2008
Nairobi — Inadequate pastoral care may have contributed to the recent unrest in Kenyan secondary schools, according to President Mwai Kibaki.
The President, a Catholic, said issues of morality and uprightness cannot be left only to the teachers or the government.
"As sponsors of some schools, churches and indeed all religious groups must re-examine their effectiveness as spiritual guardians of the society. They must continue to inculcate in the minds of our young boys and girls core values such as love of neighbour, honesty, unity and patriotism."
Kibaki was speaking Thursday during the official opening of the Methodist Ministries Centre in Nairobi. The centre, put up at the cost of Sh. 230 million, is for building the capacity of the church to carry out effective evangelization.
The President praised the commitment of local churches and faith-based organizations to be self reliant after a century of dependence on support from abroad.
The government, he said, appreciates the role churches continue to play in promoting peaceful co-existence amongst all Kenyans, especially after the post-election violence of January.
"I want to thank the Church, Non-Governmental Organizations and the civil society for taking an active role in reconciling our people following the challenges we faced earlier in the year."
Besides sponsoring several primary and secondary schools, the Methodist Church runs the Kenya Methodist University.
"These activities are no doubt making the Methodist Church shine in our society as a development-conscious institution. In this respect, you are therefore living up to the teachings of Jesus Christ to 'let your light shine among men'", the President said.
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