The clergy must rethink their role in this new era

• Once faithful have been empowered and morals imparted, there’s no need to micro-manage them

We are finally here with a brand new constitution. As a nation, we have done what we have never been able to do since independence. We have arrived at a point where we have crafted our own homegrown constitution. This indeed is a moment that calls not just for celebration but also for serious soul-searching.

Perhaps of more relevance here is the dynamic relationship between church leaders and their flock. In this respect, it may be worth noting that most of those who subscribe to any formal religious affiliation in Kenya are Christians.

With regard to the referendum, we know that most of our church leaders had taken a firm ‘No’ stand. Looking at the results and considers the overwhelming ‘Yes’ vote, it is imperative to wonder what connection there is between church leaders and their followers.

Clearly most Christian faithful did not heed the call of their shepherds. This state of affairs could be as a result of several reasons. One, it could be that the church leaders were not convincing enough.

An expression of disgust

Two, it may also mean that the followers wish to show their shepherds that they can make decisions for themselves on some matters that affect their social, economic, cultural and political lives.

Three, it could even be an expression of disgust at the manner in which church leaders went about the whole business.

Whatever the case, a question or two emerge. Who and what constitutes church? Is the credibility of the church leaders still intact?

On August 1, just three days before the referendum, I had been invited to preside over Mass for a church community around the Garden Estate area that had a fund-raiser for a church building. We had a beautiful celebration after which we raised over Sh3.5 million.

I was later informed that they had raised a similar amount at the beginning of July and have the intention of doing the same at the beginning of September. It is a truly determined community. They have already bought land on which they have a tent in which they worship and on which they intend to build their church.

Community effort

Apart from me and a few other friends, it was just members of that community that were involved in the fund-raising.

As a matter of fact, even their parish priest was not present.

It was simply members of the community confessing their faith by taking upon themselves the noble duty of building a house where they and their families will worship God.

They do not even need a priest or a bishop to organise them. It is their job and when the church is complete they will probably invite the bishop for the opening ceremony and their priest will then be involved in presiding over worship and the administration of sacraments in that church.

The scenario I have described above is a common phenomenon in most parts of this country. The Christian faith has found root in our society and as such, believers are doing whatever it takes to keep the faith and to spread it within their means.

Building churches, helping the poor, encouraging and praying for the sick are some of the ways in which the Christian faithful participate in reinforcing the body of Christ, which is the church.

As they do these things, they are also involved in the various other mundane activities such educating their children, running their businesses and even taking part in political decision making as has been seen in the just-concluded referendum.