Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya Caution Catholic Bishops to avoid politics in Church

Makueni

Sunday October 1, 2023

KNA by Ronald Rono

The Pope’s representative in Kenya Apostolic Nuncio Rev Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen has cautioned the Catholic Bishops against engaging in politics inside and outside church.

Van Megen said Bishops should take care of people's needs and avoid exploiting their faithful for both financial gains and political recognition.

"There should be no politics inside or outside church, a Bishop is not a politician and should not aspire to be one," noted van Megen during the installation of Wote Diocese Bishop Rev Paul Kariuki at Unoa Grounds, Wote on Saturday.

"When Bishops involve themselves in politics, they will be lured to money and power only to find their souls are shackled and will not be free anymore," he added.

He said true servants should never enrich themselves, burden their own faithful by asking for a contribution that is beyond their financial needs.

"Bishops should not turn their churches into politics venue, or turn their sermons into political speeches and should not speak in political rallies," he warned.

Rev Kariuki assured the Catholic faithful that he will serve them with humility and visit them at their parishes in Makueni.

"I am among you I will not be like a boss but a servant, ready to shepherd the Christians of Wote with love and humility, I will be with you and visit you in your parishes," said Kariuki in his acceptance speech.

"Let us therefore as leaders strive to serve the people, and build the strong Diocese of Wote, Makueni," he added, and assured them that he will work with the leaders to serve the people without any discrimination of religious backgrounds.

Kariuki was flanked by Kenya Conference of Catholics Bishops led by Archbishop Maurice Muhatia. 

He becomes the first Bishop of new Wote Diocese that was created out of Machakos Diocese in July 2023 by Pope Francis.

Present were Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, State Department for Devolution Principal Secretary Terresia Mbaika Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Julius Malombe (Kitui), Cecil Mbarire (Embu), A section of Members of National Assembly and Senate.

Courtesy; KNA